Kyrie Irving recently shed some light on how he helped recruit Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks.
Thompson and the Golden State Warriors decided to part ways in the offseason. The Mavericks were more than willing to acquire the 5-time All-Star via a sign-and-trade deal in July.
During Mavericks media day on Monday, Irving was asked about the Mavericks’ shiny new toy in Thompson. Irving shared how his own experience became the perfect recruitment pitch for the embattled Thompson.
“It was easy to ‘convince’ Klay to come here,” said Irving. “Because of just what I had experienced thus far in the past year and a half of just being welcomed and embraced. And I don’t mean that cliche. I mean that truthfully … This team does a great job of protecting you, not just on the court but off the court. They go out of their way to make sure you feel special.”
Thompson has seen his star fade in recent years following the two major leg injuries he suffered back in 2019 and 2020. Thompson’s on-court decline was very evident last season. He shot a pedestrian 43.2% from the field and 38.7% from deep, which were decent numbers but not what Warriors fans were used to seeing from the team’s longtime sharpshooter.
It got to the point that the Warriors benched Thompson, who didn’t exactly take the benching well.
Irving has had some off-court issues of his own throughout the latter half of his career. But he’s been able to find a home in Dallas.
Irving was extremely effective last season as Luka Doncic’s co-star, averaging 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists on nearly 50% shooting. His productivity also came with a relatively drama-free season.
Perhaps Thompson, like Irving, can find the fresh start he needs with the Mavericks.
