The blockbuster commerce sending Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers despatched shockwaves all through the NBA neighborhood. Amongst these initially surprised was Mychal Thompson, father of Mavericks guard Klay Thompson.
The commerce hit notably near house for the Thompson household, as Klay had simply signed with Dallas at the start of the season particularly to play alongside Doncic within the Mavericks’ championship pursuit.
Nevertheless, in a surprising reversal, the Mavericks‘ entrance workplace made the controversial choice to ship Doncic to Los Angeles in trade for Anthony Davis.
“Like everyone else, shocked and stunned,” Mychal defined throughout an look on the Run It Again Podcast.
Regardless of the preliminary shock, the elder Thompson believes Davis can nonetheless assist Dallas obtain their targets.
“However I instructed him, ‘Pay attention, you’re shedding an excellent participant with Luka. However don’t neglect who you bought coming into Dallas, Anthony Davis, to me, the second greatest massive man within the recreation who may dominate on each ends, who can get you 40-20 within the recreation,’” Thompson mentioned.
“I instructed Klay, ‘pay attention, sure, you’re shedding Luka. That is when Kyrie is wholesome, in fact, however with the addition of Anthony Davis and Max Christie, who’s a superb wing participant and a very good defender who can shoot.”
The defensive potential of the new-look Mavericks notably excites the previous NBA champion.
“I mentioned, ‘You guys most likely gonna be even higher, since you bought Anthony Davis, Energetic and Gafford you bought the most effective rim safety within the recreation. You’ve bought a man who can get you 40 and 20 and 4 or 5 blocks throughout the playoffs when you’ll actually need them and issues really matter,’” he continued.
Regardless of the superior age of their new core gamers – Davis, Irving, and Thompson are all of their 30s – Mychal stays optimistic about Dallas’ aggressive window.
“So sure, shedding Luka was a disappointment, however you didn’t commerce him for some backup middle or some function participant. You get your self a reputable all NBA massive man who’s solely 32 and bought 4 or 5 prime years left,” Thompson emphasised.
“Regardless that he was disillusioned to lose Luka as a result of he favored him personally and as a teammate, I mentioned, man, simply admire Anthony Davis that he’s going to make your job your life lots simpler having that massive man to bail you out of conditions.”
The Mavericks have struggled with accidents within the aftermath of the Doncic commerce. Nevertheless, the group’s fortunes seem like enhancing since Davis returned to the lineup.
Dallas has gained three of their final 5 video games and stays in competition for at the least a play-in match berth. The Mavericks at present sit in ninth place within the Western Convention with a 38-39 file.
