Klay Thompson shares feelings on being reunited with Mavs player he once thought would be a true superstar

Klay Thompson’s 2019 superstar prediction for D’Angelo Russell never materialized

However, Thompson’s evaluation missed the mark with at least one player: D’Angelo Russell.

In 2019, Thompson predicted Russell would become an NBA superstar after the guard joined the Warriors as his teammate.

The two never actually played together because Thompson suffered a long-term injury while Russell’s Bay Area tenure lasted only 33 games.

Fate reunited them as teammates when Russell joined the Mavericks this summer.

“Well, D’Angelo is a seasoned vet now, which is crazy. I remember when he was selected number one or two. I think he was two. Now he’s eleven years in. Wow. Time flies,” Thompson reflected.

“First thing when I heard we signed him, I was excited. It’s like, man, we missed the opportunity to play with each other. And here it is, a full circle moment,” he added.

Klay Thompson downgraded D’Angelo Russell to underrated status as superstar label disappears

Thompson’s assessment has shifted significantly since his 2019 prediction.

Russell never fulfilled the superstar potential Thompson envisioned, though the former Lakers guard still receives praise as an underrated contributor.

“And just in our times together this past summer playing pickup, whether that be in Miami or here, he’s such a great floor general.

“He sees the game ahead of everybody else, and he’s a very underrated playmaker. So I’m excited to play with the guard of Dilo’s caliber,” Thompson explained.

Russell will likely assume the starting point guard role for the Mavericks with Kyrie Irving sidelined by injury.

This opportunity presents a crucial chance for Russell to prove both his underrated status and capability after declining numbers last season raised doubts about his effectiveness.

The season will test whether Thompson’s revised assessment proves more accurate than his original superstar projection, with Russell needing to demonstrate sustained value at age 29.