D’Angelo Russell Reacts to Dallas Move With Klay Thompson: ‘That’s Like 2K To Me’

The Dallas Mavericks have been the talk of the NBA offseason, with major roster shake-ups and ambitious signings setting the tone for the upcoming 2025-26 campaign. Among the biggest moves, the acquisition of D’Angelo Russell stood out not only for the talent he brings but also for the excitement he generated with his remarks about teaming up with Klay Thompson. For Russell, joining forces with one of the best shooters in NBA history feels almost like stepping into a video game, and his enthusiasm has Mavericks fans buzzing with anticipation.

Russell’s First Impressions of Dallas

Coming off a solid stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell arrives in Dallas with confidence and motivation to prove himself in a new environment. Speaking on The Backyard Podcast, the point guard couldn’t hide his excitement when asked about playing alongside Thompson.

“But Klay… I can’t wait to f**kin play with Klay; that’s like 2K to me,” Russell admitted, referencing the surreal feeling of joining forces with the sharpshooter, comparing it to building a dream team in the popular NBA 2K video game. His words resonated with fans, who immediately took to social media to share their excitement about the Mavericks’ revamped roster.

For Russell, the move represents more than just a fresh start. He claims to be at the peak of his career, a stage where his experience, skill set, and leadership align perfectly. Now surrounded by stars like Thompson and promising young talent such as Cooper Flagg, Russell is positioned to make a significant impact.

The Mavericks’ Redemption Story

The Mavericks are entering this season with a sense of unfinished business. The 2024-25 campaign ended in disappointment when star guard Kyrie Irving suffered a devastating ACL tear against the Sacramento Kings. Without him, Dallas struggled through the Play-In Tournament but ultimately fell short of reaching the playoffs.

Now, with Irving’s recovery uncertain and a new wave of talent on the roster, the Mavericks are rewriting their narrative. The addition of Russell and Thompson signals a shift toward balance—pairing veteran leadership with emerging stars. Fans are hopeful that the duo’s chemistry, combined with Flagg’s rookie energy, could provide the spark needed to elevate Dallas back into contention.

Russell on Teaming Up With Klay Thompson

Russell has shared the court with superstars before, but joining Klay Thompson carries a unique weight. Thompson’s reputation as one of the league’s most clutch performers and one of the greatest shooters in NBA history makes this pairing especially intriguing. For Russell, who thrives in orchestrating offenses and finding open shooters, having a weapon like Thompson on the wing opens up endless possibilities.

He described the partnership as “unreal” and emphasized that he views it as an opportunity to learn and grow. “You don’t get too many chances to play with guys like that,” Russell said. “The way Klay approaches the game, his professionalism, his work ethic—it’s something you can’t take for granted.”

The dynamic between Russell’s playmaking and Thompson’s shooting could create one of the most lethal backcourts in the Western Conference. Opposing defenses will face a nightmare trying to guard the spacing created by the duo, especially with additional scoring threats in the lineup.

Preparing for the NBA Grind

In his podcast appearance, Russell also took time to share valuable insights into the challenges of adjusting from college basketball to the NBA. His comments highlighted just how demanding the professional level can be for young athletes.

“So, you’re going to play 80 plus games, and you got to prepare yourself for that now,” Russell said. “The sooner you can prepare yourself for that mentally, the better. Any young players out there that are trying to become a pro… prepare yourself for the duration of the season. Look at how many games you got. Look at where. Okay, we’re traveling a lot more in this span of games. We’re home a little more here. You start to plan around those things.”

His advice speaks to the maturity and perspective he has developed over the years. Russell understands that the NBA season is not just about talent but about endurance, preparation, and consistency. These qualities will be essential as the Mavericks look to push through the grueling season and into playoff contention.

Mavericks Fans and the New Era

Dallas fans have embraced the team’s offseason changes with optimism. The addition of Russell and Thompson feels like a turning point for a franchise eager to return to the upper echelon of the NBA. Social media reactions have ranged from excitement over Russell’s enthusiasm to speculation about how the team’s new pieces will fit together.

Many fans believe that Russell’s experience, combined with his hunger to succeed, could be the glue the Mavericks need. Others are thrilled about the veteran leadership Thompson brings, especially for rising star Cooper Flagg, who is expected to play a big role in his rookie season.

The anticipation for opening night is higher than it has been in years, with fans hoping to see a new identity emerge—one built on balance, chemistry, and resilience.

What This Means for Russell’s Career

For Russell, this move could represent a career-defining chapter. After bouncing between teams and dealing with fluctuating roles throughout his NBA journey, he now has the opportunity to cement his legacy in Dallas. The Mavericks’ system provides him with both responsibility and freedom—a chance to lead as a veteran while still showcasing his scoring and playmaking skills.

Teaming with Thompson could also help Russell unlock new levels of efficiency. With defenses focusing on Thompson’s outside threat, Russell will find more opportunities to create shots and dictate tempo. Conversely, Russell’s passing ability will generate cleaner looks for Thompson, amplifying his already deadly shooting percentages.

If the duo clicks, it could redefine the Mavericks’ offensive identity and transform the Western Conference landscape.

Looking Ahead

The 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, and the Dallas Mavericks are positioning themselves to be a serious player. With D’Angelo Russell’s excitement, Klay Thompson’s shooting, and Cooper Flagg’s potential, the team embodies a fascinating mix of experience and youth.

Russell’s comments about the move—comparing playing alongside Thompson to being in a 2K video game—perfectly capture the surreal excitement surrounding this new chapter. But beyond the hype, there’s a genuine belief that this Mavericks squad can surprise many and rise from last season’s struggles.

If Russell’s leadership and playmaking match his confidence, Dallas could not only return to the playoffs but also become a legitimate contender in the West. For Mavericks fans, that possibility makes the upcoming season feel less like a video game fantasy and more like the beginning of something real.