BREAKING: Dallas Mavericks Power Forward Klay Thompson Is the One We Have as the Veteran X-Factor

DALLAS, TX – June 8, 2025 — In a bold and unexpected twist to an already electrifying NBA season, Klay Thompson, now suiting up as a power forward for the Dallas Mavericks, is proving to be far more than a late-career addition.

Once known for his lethal three-point shooting with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson has reinvented himself in Dallas — and team insiders say he’s “the one we have as the veteran X-factor” behind the Mavs’ deep playoff push.

A New Role, Same Killer Instinct

At age 35, Klay Thompson isn’t the explosive shooting guard he once was — but he’s still one of the smartest players on the floor every night. Now playing as a stretch four in Jason Kidd’s retooled offense, Thompson has embraced his new role with the same laser focus that made him a four-time NBA champion.

“He’s not just spacing the floor — he’s reading the game two steps ahead,” said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. “Klay’s basketball IQ and experience are driving our second unit and helping guide Luka [Dončić] through the toughest matchups.”

Thompson is averaging 12.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and shooting 41.9% from beyond the arc, often matched up against taller, younger forwards. His ability to hold his own defensively and knock down clutch shots has made him a quiet but crucial part of Dallas’s success.

Leadership You Can’t Teach

What Thompson brings to Dallas can’t be measured solely in numbers. With a roster full of rising stars like Luka Dončić and Dereck Lively II, the presence of a seasoned winner like Thompson has added a layer of calm and focus the Mavericks sorely needed.

“He’s been there. He’s won the biggest games,” said Dončić. “When things get crazy on the court, he’s the guy telling us to breathe, reset, and execute. That matters more than people know.”

Thompson’s voice in the locker room and on the practice court has been praised by players and staff alike, with multiple teammates crediting him for helping maintain composure during intense playoff battles.