Klay Thompson will undoubtedly go down as a Top 5 shooter in NBA history when it’s all said and done. The former Golden State Warriors guard and his Splash Brother, Stephen Curry, formed one of the greatest backcourts in NBA history. After 13 seasons in the Bay Area, Klay felt it was time for a change, signing with the Dallas Mavericks ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Even though there has been a visible decline in his productivity, he remains a solid addition in terms of leadership and championship DNA. Something that could really help rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.
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The Duke product is soon to make his much-anticipated NBA debut with the Mavericks. Carrying a bag of expectations and pressures, Flagg could benefit from the mentorship of Thompson. From how things appear, the four-time champion has already taken the mantle of guiding Flagg.
In a recent clip that surfaced on social media, Thompson discussed his mission to be included in the conversation of all-time greats alongside Flagg.
“I want a ring, bro…Trying to get Coop on that list with Magic (Johnson) and Bill Russell,” said Klay as he gears up for his second season with the Mavs.
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Flagg is indeed grateful to have leaders like Thompson guide him in his rookie season.
Flagg talks about his experience with Captain Klay
It won’t be wrong to say that Cooper Flagg is one of the most anticipated first overall picks in recent draft history. The 18-year-old is touted as a generational talent, demonstrating versatility at both ends of the floor and possessing a high basketball IQ.
In his one-and-done season at Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks. Named the 2025 National College Player of the Year, Cooper now braces for his big stage debut. Helping him through this preparation is none other than Captain Klay.
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“Klay (has) been treating me well. He’s a great vet. Been giving us books, knowledge, wisdom. Great vet, man,” revealed Cooper.
The Mavericks are certainly looking strong heading into the 2025-26 season, courtesy of their deep roster. Although injury concerns loom over the roster, if healthy, they could win it all.
The Kyrie Irving difference
Kyrie suffered a tragic ACL tear back in March, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. The veteran guard can surely be a difference-maker on any team, given his skill set. The primary reason why Thompson feels the Mavs can win the whole thing with Irving back.
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“I’m just happy we can get healthy cause the whole time, we never really got to experience what a healthy Mavericks roster will look like. Maybe for one half against the Houston Rockets in late February. But that was it, so it gets me excited knowing that we have an incredible team, and once we get Kyrie back in the fold, I don’t see why we can’t win the whole thing,”said Thompson, who has been through some devastating injuries himself.
There is finally some growing optimism among fans in Dallas after the Luka Doncic fiasco. Despite landing a transcendent talent in Cooper, it’s not beneficial to overwhelm the rookie with unrealistic comparisons and expectations. While he holds the potential to be an all-time great, using Magic Johnson and Bill Russell as the yardstick, even before making his official debut, could put a lot of unnecessary pressure on the shoulders of the teenager.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.