Apr 16, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) celebrates with teammates after scoring a basket during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Mavericks' Klay Thompson sends message to star Hornets rookie

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Austin Veazey | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 3:09 PM ET

Dallas Mavericks star Klay Thompson has been in the NBA long enough to have incoming players want to have a career like his, and it's understandable why. He's in the top five all-time for most made three-pointers. In his prime, he was also one of the best perimeter defenders, but an ACL and Achilles injury have robbed him of that.

Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, who played with Cooper Flagg at Duke and was selected fourth overall, recently said he wanted to model his game after Thompson. Thompson heard that and sent Knueppel a message through Taylor Rooks.

"What's up Kon... Thanks for the words of trying to model your game after me," Thompson started. "It makes me feel kind of old, but also very appreciative of great young, athletes like yourself, who are coming to take over the league and carry on the torch of what we started... I'm just excited for your next chapter in the league. Never lose that confidence that got you here."

Thompson is as uplifting to young players as anyone in the NBA today, while also still being appreciative of the NBA's history. That's what has the Mavericks so excited about adding Cooper Flagg in, as Thompson will be able to take him under his wing. Rooks asked Knueppel for a response, and he was blown away.

"Oh, that he’s just—the best. Well, I don’t know if I should say this, but I loved when he did the big ball celebration. Tell him that, because that was awesome. That’s what he has—he's got cojones."

This article first appeared on Dallas Mavericks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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