Before the Dallas Mavericks open training camp later this month, the team has already laid a foundation for chemistry. Veteran guard Klay Thompson hosted the franchise’s annual “vet camp” at his home in California, giving teammates and staff a chance to connect in an informal but meaningful setting.

D’Angelo Russell, entering his first season in Dallas after signing a two-year, $11.7 million contract in July, described the experience on The Backyard Podcast. He said the gathering helped break down barriers before the grind of the NBA season.

Russell appeared in 58 games last year between the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets, averaging 12.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 39.0% from the field, 31.4% from three, and 83.4% at the line. Thompson played 72 games for the Golden State Warriors in 2024–25, averaging 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.

D’Angelo Russell On Vet Camp

Russell said the camp combined basketball workouts, golf outings, and shared meals, creating a rhythm that balanced competition with connection. Morning sessions often began at nearby facilities, where players went through drills and pickup runs. Afternoons brought lighter activity, from casual shooting games to golf, and evenings were reserved for dinners that allowed teammates to talk without the pressure of a scoreboard.

“Vet camp—some of the best vets on the team that current year, gather all the players, few coaching staff, few training members, and they host usually in their backyard,” Russell said. “Klay hosted us at his place—I don’t know if I’m exposing his location—but he was in California.”

He emphasized that the schedule wasn’t limited to the court. Thompson’s role as host extended beyond organizing training sessions; he opened his home to create a space where the group could relax and get to know each other in a way that doesn’t always happen during the grind of a season. Russell pointed to those moments as the foundation for relationships that will matter once the Mavericks hit rough patches.

“He had us there, we trained at a few facilities, we played all day, we hooped, got to golf a little bit… set up a few nice dinners,” he explained. “He just had a bunch of the guys out, and it was—it was kind of weathering the storm of what’s about to happen.”

He said players already understand there will be injuries, slumps, and mistakes in late-game situations, but building trust early gives them a chance to weather those challenges together. The camp, he explained, made sure the Mavericks started with broken ice rather than waiting until Media Day or preseason drills to feel connected.

“We know the season’s going to be a hell of a roller coaster,” he said. “We know injuries going to happen. We know we’re going to lose tough games. We’re going to win some tough games. Some guys are going to miss that free throw that wins the game. Like, all that’s going to happen in one season.

“But when you have that bet and you have that camaraderie to start the season, all the ice is broken,” he continued. “You don’t wait until preseason or until media day to feel like you know these guys. You develop that relationship and camaraderie ASAP. So, I’m excited, man.”

Klay Thompson’s Presence

Russell also reflected on how his earlier stint with the Golden State Warriors gave him only a glimpse of Thompson, who was recovering from injury at the time. The difference in Dallas, he said, is striking.

“I got to cross paths with Klay in Golden State. He was coming off injury, so I didn’t really get to see him. He was like Batman—he was only around when the symbol came out,” Russell said. “So I didn’t really get to cross paths. But being around him now and seeing his energy and how contagious it is for a group that may lack energy or may lack anything—he fills that hole up, you know. And it’s really cool to be around somebody like that.”

Russell described Thompson’s consistency as a trait that lifts the group whenever intensity wanes. He added that their chemistry has been clear from the start and believes Thompson’s shooting will pair naturally with his own playmaking.

What’s Next For Dallas

The Mavericks will reconvene for Media Day on Sept. 29 before traveling to Vancouver, Canada, for training camp from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 at Simon Fraser University. Dallas begins its preseason schedule on Oct. 6 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

To open the regular season, the Mavericks will host the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 22 at American Airlines Center.

Latest Dallas Mavericks News & NBA Rumors