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Luka Doncic Shares Challenges Playing With Klay Thompson
- Nov 6, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) warms up in front of Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) before the game against the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic recently shared his early challenges playing with Klay Thompson. Doncic, 25, is much younger than Thompson, 34, but Doncic’s tremendous talent has made him a mainstay in the Dallas Mavericks organization since 2018. That being said, Doncic is one of the top players for the Mavericks and in the NBA. But it’s important to note that Doncic was once a new player on the Mavericks’ roster, just like Thompson is one of the newest Mavericks. Read on for Doncic’s recent revelation regarding Thompson.

Luka Doncic’s Revelation

Luka Doncic’s recent revelation sparked mixed emotions on social media. Doncic’s one of the greatest players in Dallas, Texas, and the NBA, so why would a great player like him comment on a newcomer? First, Thompson is a veteran shooting guard and sharpshooter with tons of experience, including four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors.

Second, Thompson had to get used to his new city, routine, role, and teammates in Dallas. Thompson’s 13-year tenure was with the Warriors, an NBA team that has shattered expectations while based in a bustling city with an arguably different culture. Doncic recently spoke of Thompson in a fair and unbiased fashion on NBA TV, “It’s not easy to connect with a guy right away.” Doncic’s recent statement was short and sweet. Doncic appeared to understand that Thompson wouldn’t be an ideal fit for the Mavericks’ organization overnight.

Luka Doncic Eats Humble Pie

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are one of the top duos in the Dallas Mavericks and the NBA, but there was a time when some, if not most, people wrote them off. Doncic and Irving’s chemistry quickly grew last season, which was Irving’s first full season with the Mavericks. But that doesn’t mean that Doncic is a hoity-toity type of player.

Doncic appears confident that Klay Thompson will succeed in Dallas but recently acknowledged that Thompson’s success will likely take time. Doncic recently told NBA TV, “I think we’re still trying (to) figure (it) out … It’s not easy to connect with a guy right away. Like me and Kai (Kyrie Irving) we needed some time to connect, and now we have all three on the squad. Obviously, we’re going to need some more time, but it’s getting easier and easier and figuring out how to play with him.”

It’s difficult to humbly admit that things aren’t easy, so props to Doncic for doing just that. Doncic’s recent words were relatable to the Mavericks, who appear to be a mixed bag in the young NBA season, despite being the defending Western Conference Champions.

Luka Doncic Doesn’t Hold Back

Luka Doncic didn’t hold back in his recent appearance on NBA TV. Doncic shared his early challenges playing with Klay Thompson, including Thompson’s fit with the Dallas Mavericks so far this season. Thompson has been great with the Mavericks, but only time will tell if his spurts of success are consistent. Thompson’s transition in Dallas, Texas, is a topic to keep an eye on, as Thompson isn’t perfect and perhaps past his prime but he’s reportedly learning what the Mavericks ask of him for his role.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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