It's time for Mavericks to have an uncomfortable Klay Thompson discussion

It's time for Mavericks to have an uncomfortable Klay Thompson discussion

The Dallas Mavericks are facing a difficult reality this season: Klay Thompson hasn’t provided the positive impact they expected, and it’s becoming necessary to consider replacing him sooner rather than later.

The team initially relied on Thompson to make their oversized, spacing-limited lineups functional. However, the moment seems to have arrived when the risks of keeping him on the floor outweigh the benefits. This season’s version of the Mavericks appears constructed without enough attention to playmaking, shot creation, or perimeter spacing — qualities vital in the modern NBA.

Although the roster includes outstanding talent, such as Anthony Davis, its structure tilts heavily toward big men. Building a successful team still depends on balance, with each piece complementing the others. The Mavericks’ most promising lineup might be the one they opened the season with: Flagg at point guard, Davis at power forward, and both P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II sharing the floor.

That configuration, while dominant defensively and inside the paint, struggles badly with shooting. The plan was for Thompson — long celebrated as one of the best perimeter shooters in basketball history — to provide enough outside threat to stretch defenses and open lanes for Davis, Flagg, and Washington.

“The theory would perhaps make more sense if Thompson was playing up to that level, but he is no longer the same player that he was playing alongside Stephen Curry for all of those years.”

Author’s Summary

Klay Thompson can no longer deliver the shooting impact the Mavericks need, forcing the team to confront tough lineup decisions to save their season.

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