Klay Thompson is chasing another championship, but this time he wants to do it in a new uniform and with a new running mate. After four titles with the Golden State Warriors, the five-time All-Star has joined the Dallas Mavericks with one clear mission in mind, which is to win a ring alongside No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.
“I want a ring, bro,” Thompson said recently, Newsweek reports. “Trying to get Coop on that list with Magic (Johnson) and Bill Russell.”
Thompson’s mindset is nothing new for a player with his resume. The 34-year-old has built a Hall of Fame career on his consistency, winning pedigree, and elite shooting touch. He ranks fifth in NBA history with 2,697 made three-pointers and is considered one of the best two-way guards of his generation.
Now, he’s turning his attention toward mentorship. Thompson has already taken the 18-year-old Flagg under his wing, offering advice, leadership, and a model for how to handle life as a franchise cornerstone.
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Klay Thompson Embracing Leadership Role in Dallas
Flagg’s arrival in Dallas has generated enormous excitement. The former Duke standout ended up as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and many view him as a player who could shape the league’s future. His size, vision, and defensive instincts made him a standout at every level, and now he’ll be tested on a Mavericks team filled with veteran talent.
The rookie joins a roster led by Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Thompson, giving head coach Jason Kidd a mix of star power and experience. It’s a group built for immediate success, even after the franchise parted ways with Luka Doncic in last season’s blockbuster trade.
Thompson, entering his 13th year, sees Flagg’s potential as both a teammate and a player capable of carrying the Mavericks forward. “Klay’s been treating me well,” Flagg told reporters, per Duke Wire. “He’s a great vet. Been giving us books, knowledge, wisdom. Great vet, man.”
That respect appears mutual. Thompson has been vocal about helping Flagg grow into his role, encouraging him to stay grounded amid the hype.
Cooper Flagg Impresses in Preseason Play
The Mavericks’ preseason gave fans a first glimpse of the young phenom. Kidd experimented with Flagg’s versatility, even starting him at point guard in the team’s final two games. Despite playing out of position, the rookie handled the pressure well, showing flashes of elite skill and poise.
According to Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, Flagg was among the biggest winners of the preseason. “Cooper Flagg’s basic production doesn’t leap off the screen,” Bailey wrote, “but several individual plays certainly have. From pull-up threes to explosive rim protection to solid playmaking and passing, Flagg has shown that he can be a utility player capable of filling up any of the major statistical categories.”
Bailey added that Flagg’s steady, all-around play could make him an early contender for Rookie of the Year. On a team already loaded with veterans, his ability to blend scoring, defense, and hustle might be exactly what Dallas needs.
Still, there’s room for improvement. The Mavericks struggled from three-point range in the preseason, shooting just 30.8 percent from deep. Flagg went 4-for-13 from beyond the arc, a sign that his jumper is still developing. Yet his confidence and court presence have already made a strong impression.
The Mavericks open their regular season Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs, marking the beginning of what could be one of the NBA’s most intriguing partnerships. For Klay Thompson, the goal remains the same as it has been his entire career — win big and bring others along with him.
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