Mavericks’ Luka Doncic Vows To Get Klay Thompson More Involved After Slow Start

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic spoke to reporters on Wednesday after a 119-99 win over the Bulls to address the team’s early miscues with new shooting guard Klay Thompson. Dallas added the veteran shooter in the hopes of forming a new big three, but he has struggled to contribute to the team’s existing scheme.

“I think we’re still trying to figure it out,” Doncic told reporters. “It’s not easy to connect with a guy right away. Me and [Kyrie Irving], we needed some time to connect. Now we have all three on the squad. Obviously, we’re gonna need some more time, but it’s getting easier and easier.”

After a hot start to the season, scoring at least 18 points in his first three games, Thompson has cooled off precipitously, scoring just 11.4 points per game in his last five. Even in his nightmarish final season with the Warriors last year, he still managed 17.5 points per game for the season. Doncic’s acknowledgment confirmed what the stats were already suggesting: Thompson isn’t meshing well in Dallas just yet.

These are still early days, and with Doncic and Irving both producing, Thompson hasn’t had to be at his sharpest for the team to earn a solid 5-3 record. Still, coming off such a subpar year in Golden State, it’s sensible to question if the 34-year-old can recapture any of his old magic on a new team. 

The results at face value tell a concerning tale, but there’s evidence to suggest that Thompson still has the chance to take a step forward. In a small sample size, he’s shooting slightly better than he did over the course of last season. The main obstacle has been a lack of opportunities, as his attempts from the field have dropped considerably since the first three games. If the team can find more ways to get him the ball, there’s a chance he can produce in a high-end supporting role behind Doncic and Irving.

“That’s a big reason why I came here, those two guys,” Thompson said in October, per a team release. “(I have) big dreams and aspirations with this team. They were so close last year, and I really feel we have everything we need. I’m more motivated than ever.”