Klay Thompson, once at the peak of his career before consecutive injuries to his ACL and Achilles, continues to prove his value in the NBA as one of the greatest shooters. During his first season with the Dallas Mavericks, Thompson averaged 14 points per game and maintained a 39.1% success rate from beyond the arc. Despite the Mavericks facing challenges due to trades and injuries, Thompson reinforced his role as a reliable starter on a team aimed at contention.
VJ Edgecombe Reflects on Facing Klay Thompson in Competition
Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe recently shared his experience of competing against Klay Thompson in an open run, describing it as a valuable and tough learning moment. Speaking on Podcast P with teammate Paul George, Edgecombe highlighted how Thompson was still able to score effortlessly, even while being guarded closely.
Edgecombe recounted,
“It was bad. No, I’m telling you, I’m guarding him. So the first time I guard him, he tried to post me up. He’s like, ‘Oh, I got young fella on me, pass the rock.’ I’m like, ‘Bro, come on, bro.’”
He continued to explain his attempts to contest Thompson’s move:
“So he trying to post me up, and I’m just pushing him like, ‘Bro, you’re not posting me up. I’m not going to sit and just let you post me up.’ But then the grown man strength kicks in, and I’m like, ‘Yeah… ain’t nothing I can do about this.’”
Reflecting on Thompson’s shooting ability, Edgecombe admitted,
“He’s just shooting over the top. And it’s Klay, though. So I can live with Klay scoring on me, especially if he’s shooting the ball. Man, I was hot ’cause he scored like three times in a row. And I realized, yeah, it’s a little different. Yeah, it’s a little different. It’s a little different for sure.”
—VJ Edgecombe, 76ers Rookie
Guidance from a Veteran and Philadelphia’s Team Prospects
After the encounter, Thompson offered Edgecombe advice and reassurance about his potential for success, mentioning he expected the young player to win multiple championships. The 76ers hope their lineup, which includes Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, Quentin Grimes, and Edgecombe, can stay healthy and competitive. However, Embiid’s history with injuries poses a significant concern for the team’s championship ambitions.
Recent Developments Surrounding the Mavericks
Austin Veazey, the Lead Basketball Writer for MavericksGameday, has reported on various Mavericks updates including the viral sequence involving Cooper Flagg and Bronny James during a Mavericks-Lakers game. The Mavericks also secured a critical player with a $54 million contract extension amid speculation of trades. In addition, they officially selected Cooper Flagg as the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Kyrie Irving’s recent decision about his future with the Mavericks adds another layer of intrigue to the team‘s planning going forward.
The Significance of This Season for Both Teams
Despite the Dallas Mavericks’ tough season filled with setbacks, Klay Thompson’s consistent performance demonstrates his continued value as a key contributor on a contender. Meanwhile, rookie Edgecombe’s exposure to elite competition offers a glimpse of his development curve within the 76ers’ talented but injury-prone roster. The unfolding journeys of these players and teams will be crucial to watch in the coming seasons as both strive for success and stability in a competitive NBA landscape.