It's Time for Mavericks to Have an Uncomfortable Klay Thompson Discussion
The Dallas Mavericks are receiving little value from Klay Thompson this season and must address how to replace him sooner rather than later.
The team desperately needs Thompson on the floor to make their large, spacing-challenged lineups effective. However, it may be time for their reluctance to play him to grow even stronger.
The Mavericks' Roster Challenge
This year's Mavericks seem built without focusing on playmaking, shot creation, or floor-spacing—key elements in the modern NBA. Although the roster features talented players, including Anthony Davis, the problem lies in having mostly power forwards and centers (4s and 5s) rather than a balanced lineup.
Lineup Composition
The most talented lineup the Mavericks used early in the season had Flagg at point guard, Davis at power forward, with P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II on the court. While this lineup is physically imposing on defense and inside the paint, it lacks shooting.
The Role of Klay Thompson
The hope was that Klay Thompson, one of the greatest shooters ever, would solve this spacing problem. His exceptional perimeter shooting was expected to keep defenses honest and open up scoring opportunities inside for Davis, Flagg, and Washington.
That his ability to shoot lights out from the perimeter would keep defenses honest and help crack open room on the interior for Davis and Flagg and Washington to score.
Unfortunately, this theory only holds if Thompson performs at that high level. He is no longer the same player who thrived alongside Stephen Curry for many years.
The problem is that all of them are 4s and 5s, and creating a successful team in the NBA involves a balanced lineup where all of the pieces fit together.
Without Thompson's shooting impact, the Mavericks face a tough dilemma regarding their lineup and future strategy.
Author's Summary
The Mavericks' current imbalance and Thompson's decline force a critical reevaluation of their roster and lineup to remain competitive in today's NBA.