Klay Thompson & Dirk Nowitzki team up to challenge 2x NBA MVP in Dirk's star-studded tennis event
Klay Thompson teamed up with Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki for a friendly tennis event in Dallas. The 2011 NBA champion was joined by the four-time NBA champion for a friendly game against NBA legend Steve Nash.
In pictures shared by journalist Dorothy J. Gentry, Nowitzki and Thompson were seen playing against two-time MVP Nash and his teammate CoCo Vandeweghe, the former American tennis player.
While Nash and his teammate rocked all-white for the game, Nowitzki and Klay Thompson wore black shorts and a white t-shirt for the event. Thompson also rocked an NBA headband and wristband for the event.
According to Athlon Sports, Nowitzki later told the media that he wanted to welcome Thompson to Dallas and give him "a feel for the community." Thompson also joined Dirk and his family for dinner.
Klay Thompson is officially a Dallas Maverick now. He is part of the franchise where Dirk Nowitzki won his first and only title for the franchise. The Mavs have not been able to win the title since 2011, however, since the arrival of Luka Doncic, the team has high hopes for the roster in the future.
The Mavericks reached the NBA Finals last season. However, they were ousted by the Boston Celtics by 4-1 in just five games to win their 18th championship. The addition of a player like Thompson, a player with multiple championships is definitely going to boost the Mavs' offense.
However, Thompson has largely struggled with his offense in the last few seasons. It would be interesting to see if the all-time great shooter manages to find his game in Dallas.
Dirk Nowitzki reacts to Klay Thompson wearing his jersey during workout
Klay Thompson paid respect to the Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki after he signed with the team. In his first workout after signing with the team this offseason, Thompson hit his first workout in Nowitzki's jersey with the Mavs.
The Mavericks legend was happy to welcome one of the greatest three-point shooters to his former team. He also said that he felt honored by the gesture from Thompson:
"That's so sweet. I got to know him, talked to him a little bit during my last All-Star Game and during my last season when we played them here He's just a really nice, chill guy, just loves to vibe."
"I feel like we have a good relationship and mutual respect for each other... I did catch that (photo) this summer... super cool and obviously feel honored one of the 'Splash Bros' is there and is with the Mavs now."
With Klay Thompson on the roster, the Mavs will be expected to come out big next season. On the other hand, Thompson will look to win his fifth championship with the team before he hangs his boots.