Klay Thompson’s dad worries, ‘Klay thought Luka and Kyrie would take him to the Finals, but now Luka is gone, AD is in, and Dallas has lost 10 straight games.

Klay Thompson’s move to the Dallas Mavericks was expected to rejuvenate his career and offer him another shot at an NBA Finals appearance. Playing alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, the veteran sharpshooter was hoping to be a key piece in a championship-contending team. However, as the season has progressed, injuries, unexpected departures, and inconsistent team performances have left Klay Thompson in what his father, Mychal Thompson, calls “purgatory.”

The Disappointment of Klay Thompson’s Dallas Journey

When Klay Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks, expectations were sky-high. Fans envisioned a powerful offensive trio with Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, and Thompson providing elite perimeter shooting, playmaking, and scoring depth. Mychal Thompson, a former NBA player and father of the Golden State Warriors legend, recently voiced his thoughts on Klay’s current situation in Dallas.

“He thought with Luka & Kyrie, he had a chance to get back to the Finals… Obviously, Luka left, I told him, ‘When AD’s coming, you still got a chance to the Finals because AD’s that good, & he’s hurt. And then Gafford got hurt. And then Lively got hurt. Klay is stuck in purgatory right now & if they hold the 10th seed, that’ll be the story in the NBA right now. I think they’re gonna lose 10 in a row.”

The elder Thompson’s comments have sparked discussions about Klay Thompson’s future and whether his time in Dallas is turning into a nightmare.

Luka Dončić’s Departure and Its Impact

One of the most shocking twists in Dallas Mavericks history was Luka Dončić’s departure. While the team initially had championship aspirations, losing their franchise star altered the entire trajectory of the season. Klay Thompson expected to compete for a championship with Luka’s elite playmaking ability setting up open shots, but with Dončić gone, the offense lost its fluidity.

Without Dončić, Kyrie Irving was left to carry the team, and while he is an elite scorer, his playstyle differs significantly from Luka’s pass-first approach. Klay Thompson thrives in a system where he gets open shots through ball movement and spacing, but without a dominant playmaker, his effectiveness has diminished.

The Injuries That Crippled the Mavericks

Adding to the chaos, the Dallas Mavericks have been plagued by injuries. Anthony Davis (AD) was expected to arrive and provide a defensive anchor for the team, but his injuries have derailed that plan. Additionally, key role players like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II have also suffered injuries, further weakening the team’s defensive and rebounding capabilities.

Mychal Thompson pointed out that the Mavericks’ depth has been severely affected, stating that the team lacks the consistency and physical presence needed to make a serious playoff run. As injuries continue to pile up, Dallas has found itself slipping in the standings, making Klay Thompson’s hopes of a deep postseason run more unlikely.

Klay Thompson’s Individual Struggles

While Klay Thompson remains one of the most prolific three-point shooters in NBA history, his performance in Dallas has been inconsistent. His shooting percentages have fluctuated, and without the structured system he had in Golden State, he has struggled to find his rhythm.

Several factors have contributed to his struggles:

• A New System: The Mavericks run a different offensive scheme compared to the Warriors. Klay has had to adjust to a system where he doesn’t get the same off-ball movement and screens to free him up for open shots.

• Inconsistent Playmaking: Without Luka Dončić, there is no primary facilitator who can consistently create open looks for Thompson.

• Defensive Decline: Klay Thompson was once an elite two-way player, but after multiple injuries, his lateral quickness and defensive impact have declined, making him more of a liability against younger, more athletic guards.

Dallas Mavericks Holding on to the 10th Seed – A Lost Season?

As things stand, the Dallas Mavericks are barely holding on to the 10th seed in the Western Conference, a position that only grants them access to the Play-In Tournament. According to Mychal Thompson, the team’s downward spiral may continue, and he even predicts a 10-game losing streak.

If that happens, Dallas will find itself outside of the Play-In picture, marking one of the most disappointing seasons in recent franchise history. Klay Thompson, who was once a key player in multiple championship runs, is now left questioning whether this move was the right decision for his career.

What’s Next for Klay Thompson?

With the season unraveling, Klay Thompson faces significant decisions about his future. Does he remain in Dallas and hope for a turnaround, or does he look for a fresh start elsewhere? Possible options include:

1. Staying in Dallas and Waiting for a Roster Overhaul

If Dallas makes major moves in the offseason—such as acquiring another superstar to replace Luka Dončić—Klay Thompson could still find himself in a championship-contending situation. However, this would require a significant reshuffling of the roster and coaching philosophy.

2. Seeking a Trade to Another Contender

If things continue to go south, Thompson could request a trade to a team that better suits his playstyle. Potential landing spots include:

• Los Angeles Lakers: Reuniting with LeBron James and playing alongside Anthony Davis could give him a shot at another title.

• Milwaukee Bucks: Playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo could provide him with the open looks he thrives on.

• Miami Heat: A move to Miami would put him in a structured system under Erik Spoelstra, which could maximize his strengths.

3. Returning to the Golden State Warriors

While unlikely, a return to Golden State could be a storybook ending to his career. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green would welcome him back, and he would instantly return to a familiar system where he knows how to excel.

Final Thoughts – Is Klay Thompson Stuck in Purgatory?

Mychal Thompson’s words highlight the unfortunate reality Klay Thompson faces right now. The dream of winning another NBA Championship with the Dallas Mavericks has turned into a nightmare due to injuries, roster instability, and Luka Dončić’s departure. With the Mavericks struggling to hold on to a Play-In Tournament spot, Klay Thompson must now decide whether to remain in this uncertain situation or seek a new opportunity elsewhere.

As the season continues, all eyes will be on Klay Thompson and whether he can find a way to resurrect his championship aspirations. For now, though, it seems like Dallas is far from being the title contender he had hoped for.