The Dallas Mavericks have sent shockwaves through the NBA by reuniting former Golden State Warriors teammates D’Angelo Russell and Klay Thompson, forming a formidable new “Big 3” alongside superstar Luka Dončić. This unexpected pairing, combined with Dončić’s elite playmaking, has positioned the Mavericks as a serious contender in the highly competitive Western Conference.
A Nostalgic Reunion with Untapped Potential
D’Angelo Russell, entering his first season with the Mavericks, is no stranger to Klay Thompson. The two briefly shared the court during the 2019-20 season with the Golden State Warriors, but their time together was cut short when Russell was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Andrew Wiggins. At the time, Thompson was recovering from a major injury, limiting their on-court chemistry. Russell humorously likened Thompson to Batman on The Backyard Podcast, noting, “He was only around when the symbol came out,” as reported by Dallas Hoops Journal’s Grant Afseth.
Now, with both players in Dallas, the opportunity to finally showcase their potential as a dynamic backcourt duo has the NBA world buzzing. Russell expressed his excitement about reuniting with Thompson, emphasizing the veteran sharpshooter’s infectious energy. “Being around him now and seeing his energy and how contagious it is for a group that may lack energy—he fills that hole up,” Russell said. “It’s really cool to be around somebody like that.”
Building Chemistry Off the Court
The foundation for this reunion was laid during the offseason when Thompson hosted Russell and other Mavericks players for a “vet camp” in California. The camp, which included workouts, open runs, and team-bonding activities like golf and dinners, allowed the players to build camaraderie ahead of the grueling NBA season. “Klay hosted us at his place,” Russell shared, per Afseth. “We trained at a few facilities, we hooped, got to golf a little bit… set up a few nice dinners. He just had a bunch of the guys out, and it was kind of weathering the storm of what’s about to happen.”
This off-court bonding could prove pivotal as the Mavericks prepare for training camp and their preseason opener on October 6. With Thompson’s leadership and Russell’s playmaking, the team is poised to hit the ground running.
A New “Big 3” to Rival the West’s Elite
The addition of Russell and Thompson to an already potent Mavericks roster, led by Luka Dončić, creates a new “Big 3” that could challenge the Western Conference’s heavyweights. Dončić, a perennial MVP candidate, is known for his ability to elevate his teammates with his elite vision and scoring prowess. Pairing him with Thompson, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, and Russell, a crafty point guard with a knack for creating his own shot, gives Dallas a versatile and explosive offensive core.
Thompson’s floor-spacing ability, combined with Russell’s playmaking and Dončić’s all-around brilliance, could overwhelm opposing defenses. The trio’s complementary skill sets—Dončić’s orchestration, Thompson’s off-ball movement, and Russell’s scoring versatility—make the Mavericks a matchup nightmare.
Challenges and Expectations
While the potential is sky-high, questions remain about how quickly this new-look Mavericks team can gel. Thompson, coming off a season with the Warriors where he transitioned to a bench role, will need to adapt to a new system in Dallas. Russell, who has bounced around the league in recent years, must prove he can consistently perform alongside two ball-dominant stars. Additionally, the Western Conference is stacked with talent, from the defending champion Denver Nuggets to the revamped Oklahoma City Thunder and the star-studded Los Angeles Clippers.
Still, the Mavericks’ bold move to reunite Russell and Thompson signals their intent to compete at the highest level. With training camp on the horizon, all eyes will be on Dallas to see if this explosive trio can live up to the hype and make a deep playoff run.
As the NBA season approaches, the basketball world is eagerly watching the Mavericks’ experiment unfold. Can Russell and Thompson recapture the magic they never fully got to explore in Golden State? Will Dončić elevate this new “Big 3” to championship contention? One thing is certain: the Dallas Mavericks have ignited a spark that could set the Western Conference ablaze.