'Best Power Forward Maybe of My Generation': Dallas Mavericks’ Klay Thompson Issues Strong Statement on Anthony Davis

Four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson is a big fan of Dallas Mavericks power forward Anthony Davis.

During an interview with NBA legend Michael Cooper on the Showtime With Michael Cooper Lakers Podcast, Thompson called Davis the “best power forward maybe of my generation.”

“AD, when he’s healthy, he’s the best power forward maybe of my generation,” Klay Thompson said about Anthony Davis. “I mean, you’ve been able to see him up close with the Lakers. He is a two-way force. I mean, there’s not many big men who can do what he does as far as his handle, his blocking shot ability, his freaking jump shot.”

Last season, the Mavericks acquired Davis from the Los Angeles Lakers in the blockbuster Luka Dončić trade. Davis only appeared in nine regular-season games with Dallas due to an adductor injury. He averaged 20.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.2 blocks while shooting 46.1% from the field, 23.3% from beyond the arc and 68.8% from the free-throw line.

Davis, Thompson and Kyrie Irving played just one game together last season. Davis suffered an adductor injury in his first game with the Mavericks, a February 10 home win over the Houston Rockets. Irving then suffered a torn left ACL on March 3 against the Sacramento Kings and missed the remainder of the season.

This offseason, Davis underwent a procedure to repair a detached retina. He will be ready for training camp next month.

A Chicago native, Davis is 32 years old. He is under contract for $54.1 million next season and $58.5 million in 2026–27. The future Hall of Famer has a player option for 2027–28 worth $62.8 million.

Davis has played for the New Orleans Pelicans, Lakers and Mavericks, compiling career averages of 24.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks while making 10 All-Star teams, five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive teams.

Dallas won the 2025 draft lottery and selected Duke star Cooper Flagg. The team now has a talented core of Flagg, Davis, Irving, Thompson, Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford.

Irving is expected to miss a significant portion of next season as he recovers from ACL surgery. The Mavericks signed D’Angelo Russell in free agency this offseason to provide backcourt stability.

Russell and Davis were previously teammates on the Lakers. D’Lo also played with Thompson on the Golden State Warriors.