Klay Thompson: The Unwilling Star Shouldering the Dallas Mavericks Through Over 70 Games in a Meaningless Wasted Season

When Klay Thompson was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, expectations were high. A four-time NBA champion and one of the greatest three-point shooters of all time, Thompson was supposed to complement Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, creating a formidable offensive trio. However, as the season dragged on, it became increasingly clear that Thompson was carrying an immense burden on his shoulders, forced to play over 70 games in what many consider a meaningless, wasted season for Dallas.

Thompson, who had spent his entire career with the Golden State Warriors, had never envisioned himself in this position. Accustomed to playing for a championship-caliber team, he now found himself on a struggling Mavericks squad that failed to meet expectations. Despite his best efforts, the team remained inconsistent, often hovering around the play-in tournament range without making significant strides toward true contention.

A Season Without Purpose: Dallas’ Struggles and Disappointments

The 2024-25 NBA season was supposed to be one of growth and redemption for the Mavericks, but instead, it became a frustrating ordeal for Thompson and his teammates. From the beginning, there were chemistry issues, defensive lapses, and an overall lack of direction that plagued the team. While Dončić and Irving continued to put up strong numbers, the supporting cast failed to deliver consistently, leaving much of the responsibility on Klay Thompson’s shoulders.

Thompson’s Heavy Workload

At 34 years old, Klay Thompson was no longer the young sharpshooter who could run around screens all night and lock down opposing guards on defense. Yet, due to injuries and lack of depth, he was forced to play more minutes than expected, often logging over 35 minutes per game. The Mavericks, desperate for wins, leaned heavily on his veteran presence, three-point shooting, and championship experience.

Despite being an unwilling star in this situation, Thompson remained professional. Night after night, he put in the effort, even as it became apparent that the Mavericks were not true contenders. His shooting percentages fluctuated, fatigue set in, and his frustration grew as the team continued to underperform.

Lack of Defensive Support

One of the biggest challenges for Thompson was the lack of defensive support around him. Throughout his career, he had been an elite two-way player, capable of guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter threat. However, in Dallas, he was often left exposed. With Dončić and Irving not known for their defensive prowess, Thompson was forced to guard the best wings and guards in the league—an exhausting task for a player in his mid-30s.

The Mavericks’ defensive scheme did little to help him. The team struggled with switching, rotations, and rim protection, often leaving Thompson as the lone competent perimeter defender. His frustration was evident as he gestured at teammates, demanded better effort, and tried to rally the team—but to no avail.

Offensive Pressure on Thompson

While Dončić and Irving shouldered much of the scoring load, there were nights when Thompson had to step up beyond what he expected. With injuries forcing lineup changes, Thompson had games where he was the primary scoring option. While he had flashes of brilliance, it was clear that this was not the role he envisioned at this stage of his career.

With defenses focused on Dončić, Thompson was often left to create his own shots, something he had rarely done in Golden State’s system. Without Stephen Curry and Draymond Green to set him up, his efficiency dropped, further proving that he was being asked to do too much.

A Wasted Season: No Playoff Success, No Future Direction

Falling Short of Expectations

By the All-Star break, it was clear that the Mavericks were not meeting their goals. Despite having three elite scorers in Dončić, Irving, and Thompson, the team failed to find a consistent winning formula. While they managed to stay within playoff contention, it was clear that they were not among the elite teams in the Western Conference.

Thompson, despite his veteran leadership and playoff experience, could not single-handedly change the team’s fate. With a lack of defensive intensity, questionable coaching decisions, and an overall lack of depth and consistency, the Mavericks looked more like a team treading water rather than one making a serious push for a title.

Front Office Failures

Part of the blame for this disastrous season falls on the Mavericks’ front office. The team failed to make significant roster upgrades, relying too heavily on aging stars while neglecting defensive improvements.

The coaching staff also struggled, unable to implement a system that maximized their three stars’ abilities while balancing the defensive shortcomings. As a result, the Mavericks often looked disorganized and uninspired, leading to frustration among players and fans alike.

Thompson’s Future in Question

As the season drew to a close, questions about Thompson’s future began to arise. Would he remain in Dallas, or would he seek a new opportunity elsewhere? At this stage of his career, Thompson wants to compete for championships, not serve as the veteran carrying an underperforming roster through a losing season.

His contract situation and potential free agency would be key talking points in the offseason. If the Mavericks failed to improve their roster, it was highly likely that Thompson would explore other options, possibly reuniting with the Warriors or joining another title-contending team.

Conclusion: A Season to Forget for Klay Thompson and the Mavericks

While Klay Thompson did everything he could to help the Dallas Mavericks, it became clear that this was a wasted season—one filled with frustration, exhaustion, and disappointment. As an unwilling star, Thompson was forced to shoulder the burden for a team that failed to live up to expectations.

With his legacy already cemented as one of the greatest shooters and champions in NBA history, Thompson now faces a critical decision about his future. Whether he stays in Dallas or moves on, one thing is certain: he deserves to play for a team that values his skills and gives him a real shot at winning again.

The Dallas Mavericks must also take responsibility. If they want to retain Thompson, they need to make significant roster improvements and show a commitment to building a championship-contending team. Otherwise, they risk losing another key piece while remaining stuck in the cycle of mediocrity.

In the end, this season serves as a harsh reminder that even the most decorated NBA stars can find themselves in frustrating situations. Klay Thompson deserves better, and the question remains—will he find it in Dallas, or will he seek a fresh start elsewhere?