Mavericks' Mark Cuban makes Klay Thompson 'easier' prediction after signing former Warriors star

Mark Cuban believes the Dallas Mavericks can make it “easier” for Klay Thompson in the 2024-25 season. Thompson, 34, often ran away from the defense to get free throws while with the Golden State Warriors. That recipe for success worked during Thompson's heyday, but he's now in his mid-30s and has struggled with injury issues in recent seasons. Cuban believes the Mavs' plan for Thompson will help the former Warriors star.

“And then, of course, Klay was a big addition,” Cuban said on the Roommates podcast via NBACentral. “Just someone you have to defend who, you know, makes 40 percent (of his three-pointers) … At Golden State, he always had to be on the move. They had this motion offense where he was always coming off the blocks and running. You know, we don't do that, or not nearly as much.”

“Sure, we'll run some of those moves for him. But we'll just stand in the corner… stand in the wings and just catch and throw to Luka (Doncic) and Kai (Kyrie Irving). Hopefully his life will be a lot easier.”

Klay Thompson will benefit from playing with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving

Thompson appears to be the missing piece of the puzzle for Doncic, Irving and the Mavs. However, adapting to a new offense could prove challenging. Thompson has played his entire career in the Warriors' motion offense, so this will be a completely new experience.

Thompson knows what he's getting into, though. He's excited to have clear vision on his new team. As Cuban said, the Mavs will still run some special plays for Thompson. However, many of his shooting opportunities could come from Irving and Doncic's play.

Kyrie and Luka are the Mavericks' primary ball handlers. They are both excellent at creating opportunities for their teammates. There is a realistic chance Thompson will have more open shooting opportunities than he has had in his entire career with the Mavs.

Cuban and the Mavericks clearly have a vision for Thompson's future in Dallas. In fact, Cuban said Thompson can shoot 40 percent with the team. In what was considered a slow year for Thompson, he still hit 38.7 percent of his shots from beyond the three-point line in 2023-24. If the Mavs' vision for Thompson works out, he could end up shooting over 40 percent.

Mavs' offense has enormous potential

Everyone knows that Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are superstars. NBA fans also know how good Thompson can be when he's at his best.

However, Dereck Lively II and PJ Washington showed signs of star status in the 2023-24 season and are expected to start alongside the aforementioned stars.

Lively is already a strong finisher in the box, but he has worked on his jump shot. Lively will take a step forward when he incorporates the three-pointer into his game.

Consistency is key for Washington. He has a jump shot and can finish at the basket. However, there were times in the 2023-24 season when he struggled for long stretches. If Washington can show more consistency on offense, he could emerge as one of the better players in the NBA.

Players like Daniel Gafford, Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall will also have a positive impact on the offense. Ultimately, however, the addition of Klay Thompson brings a whole new dynamic to the Mavericks' attack.