Klay Thompson Sparks Team Chemistry With Mavericks Camp, While Anthony Davis Watches From Sidelines

The Dallas Mavericks are entering the 2025-26 NBA season with a drastically reshaped roster, new faces, and high expectations after a turbulent year. With star forward Anthony Davis recovering from surgery and Klay Thompson eager to establish his leadership in Dallas, the Mavericks organized a bonding camp in Newport Beach in early September to build chemistry before training camp.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the mini-camp was inspired by Thompson himself, who pushed for the gathering to bring the Mavericks closer together after a rollercoaster 2024-25 campaign that ended with the team missing the playoffs.

Thompson Takes Leadership Role in Dallas

Klay Thompson, a four-time NBA champion and one of the greatest shooters in league history, signed with Dallas this past offseason as part of a major roster overhaul. Known for his quiet confidence and winning pedigree, Thompson is expected to play a crucial role not only on the court but also in shaping the culture of the team.

Stein reported that Thompson organized the camp in Newport Beach, California, where he grew up and still resides during the offseason. By getting his teammates together away from the distractions of Dallas, Thompson aimed to establish early bonds with a group that has undergone massive changes in the past year.

For a franchise adjusting to life without Luka Dončić, Thompson’s leadership and experience could be invaluable. He has been part of championship-winning teams with the Golden State Warriors, and now, he appears determined to instill that same camaraderie and work ethic into the Mavericks.

Anthony Davis Recovering, Still Steps Up as Host

While the Mavericks gathered in Newport Beach for workouts and team activities, Anthony Davis was unable to participate fully due to his recovery from eye surgery. The 32-year-old underwent a procedure in July to repair a detached retina, following a season in which he was already limited by an adductor injury.

Despite being sidelined from on-court activities, Davis made sure to contribute to the team’s chemistry-building efforts. According to Stein, Davis hosted a team dinner during the camp, using the opportunity to connect with his teammates in a different setting. His gesture demonstrated his commitment to leading by example, even while recovering physically.

Davis’ health remains one of the Mavericks’ biggest question marks entering the season. When available, he is among the NBA’s top two-way players, capable of dominating defensively while contributing efficiently on offense. In his limited nine-game stretch with Dallas last season, Davis averaged 20.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 0.6 steals per game.

A Shocking Trade and a New Direction

The Mavericks’ identity changed dramatically in February 2025 when general manager Nico Harrison shocked the NBA by trading franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie.

Dončić had been the face of the Mavericks since being drafted in 2018, leading them to the 2024 NBA Finals. However, tensions surrounding his future and the team’s direction led to the blockbuster move. In his place, Dallas acquired Davis, hoping his defensive dominance and veteran experience could anchor a new core.

Unfortunately, Davis’ injuries prevented the Mavericks from capitalizing immediately, and the team missed the 2025 playoffs. But with a new season ahead, Dallas is committed to building around Davis, Thompson, and a fresh mix of talent.

The Arrival of Cooper Flagg

A silver lining from the disappointing 2024-25 season came in the form of lottery luck. The Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft lottery and selected Cooper Flagg, the highly touted forward from Duke University. Flagg is viewed as a potential franchise cornerstone thanks to his versatility, scoring touch, and competitive spirit.

At just 18 years old, Flagg enters the NBA with massive expectations. Dallas envisions him as a player who can learn alongside veterans like Davis and Thompson while developing into the team’s long-term centerpiece. His presence gives the Mavericks a bridge between their current veteran core and the future of the franchise.

D’Angelo Russell Returns to Familiar Faces

Another notable addition this offseason was D’Angelo Russell, who signed with Dallas in free agency. Russell has history with both Thompson and Davis, having played alongside Thompson during his stint with the Golden State Warriors and sharing the court with Davis during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Russell’s familiarity with both stars could help ease the Mavericks’ transition into a new era. With Kyrie Irving recovering from an ACL tear, Russell is expected to start at point guard and handle much of the playmaking duties to begin the season. His ability to stretch the floor and create offense will be key for a team integrating multiple new pieces.

Projected Starting Lineup for 2025-26

Head coach Jason Kidd is expected to roll out a starting five featuring Russell, Thompson, Flagg, Davis, and Daniel Gafford. This lineup blends veteran leadership, defensive presence, and young talent.

• D’Angelo Russell – Point Guard (floor-spacing playmaker until Irving returns)

• Klay Thompson – Shooting Guard (elite shooter and veteran leader)

• Cooper Flagg – Small Forward (rookie phenom with two-way potential)

• Anthony Davis – Power Forward (defensive anchor and versatile scorer)

• Daniel Gafford – Center (reliable rim protector and rebounder)

The Mavericks hope this group can compete immediately in the Western Conference while allowing Flagg to develop within a structured system surrounded by proven veterans.

Building Chemistry Off the Court

The Newport Beach bonding camp may seem like a small gesture, but for a team undergoing such dramatic changes, it could prove crucial. Building trust and familiarity off the court often translates to improved communication and chemistry on the court.

Thompson’s decision to organize the camp reflects his understanding of championship culture. The Warriors, under his tenure, were known for their camaraderie and selfless play, and Thompson clearly wants to bring that mentality to Dallas. For Davis, his willingness to host his teammates even while sidelined shows his investment in the Mavericks’ future.

Looking Ahead

The Mavericks enter the 2025-26 season with more uncertainty than most teams in the league. With Davis’ health, Flagg’s development, Thompson’s adaptation to a new role, and Irving’s recovery timeline all in play, Dallas has plenty of storylines to watch.

But one thing is clear: the Mavericks are committed to forging a new identity after the Luka Dončić era. With Thompson setting the tone, Davis anchoring the defense, and Flagg representing the future, Dallas is aiming to bounce back into contention in the Western Conference.

If the Newport Beach camp is any indication, this group is already taking the right steps toward building the unity they’ll need for a successful season.