NBA analyst puzzled by Mark Cuban's "standing in the corner" role for Klay Thompson with Dallas Mavericks
NBA analyst Jasom Timpf is unsure about Klay Thompson's role of "standing in the corner" with the Dallas Mavericks as shared and described by team official Mark Cuban.
Speaking on the "Roommates Show" on Aug. 30, Cuban said they will try to make life easier for new acquisition Thompson, playing him off Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in a catch-and-shoot situation. It will be a marked contrast to the situation 'KT' had in Golden State where it was a constant motion for him.
Cuban said by having Klay Thompson standing in the corner or the wings, they get more depth in addressing their offensive struggles, highlighted during the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, while also allowing them to defend better with Thompson's presence.
"Hoops Tonight" host Timpf, however, was not sold on the idea of Thompson's role with the Mavericks as suggested by Cuban. He took to X, formerly Twitter, to share his thoughts, highlighting it may not be the best way to utilize the five-time All-Star.
The analyst said:
"Mark describing going from a motion offense to 'standing in the corner' like it's a good thing, while also in the same rant discussing how the Mavs struggled to score at times. Interesting."
Klay Thompson joined the Mavericks this offseason, ending his 13-year partnership with the Golden State Warriors after winning four NBA titles.
With Dallas, he is now part of a team that made significant strides last season by reaching its first NBA Finals appearance since its NBA championship year in 2011 on the lead of Doncic and Irving. The Mavericks, however, lost to the Celtics in five games in the championship series.
Klay Thompson excited to play alongside high-caliber talents in Dallas
Klay Thompson is starting a new phase in his NBA journey with the Dallas Mavericks and is looking forward to playing alongside high-caliber talents Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving while also doing his fair share in making the team continue with its ascent.
The 34-year-old four-time NBA champion spoke about it during Hometown Favorites weekend in Dallas, saying the opportunity was too good to pass up on.
Thompson said:
"Playing with Luka and Kyrie, that's what was attractive, especially watching their championship run. I was really shocked to see the chemistry with their teammates."
He added:
"I might not be able to run as fast or jump as high, but I can still knock down open shots, and I think I can be that missing piece for them... I think we have a chance to do something really special and win a championship."
In his final year with the Golden State last season, Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 77 games.