NBA Notes: Mavericks, Klay Thompson, Knicks, Wizards, Khris Middleton

Mavericks

Klay Thompson is already talking championship in Dallas.

According to Christian Clark of The Athletic, the veteran sharpshooter believes the Mavericks can win it all — provided they stay healthy and Kyrie Irving returns at some point this season.

“There’s no reason we can’t be the highest rated defensive team in the NBA,” Thompson said. “In my experience, what helps to win is having a roster full of two-way players. We have that.”

• Head coach Jason Kidd is pleased with what he’s seen so far in training camp, per Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal.

“This group talks a little bit more, and that’s good. I don’t have to pull it out of them,” Kidd said. “The communication was good, guys are in, and the competition — everybody’s pushing each other.”

Kidd highlighted Naji Marshall as a standout.

“He was consistent all week on both sides of the ball,” Kid told reporters. “A lot of good things for Naji. I thought he was one of the guys that stood out this week.”

Knicks

If New York plans to keep Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon on the regular season roster, they’ll need to make a cost-cutting move to stay under the second-apron hard cap. Both players are currently on non-guaranteed training camp deals.

Ian Begley of SNY.tv expects both veterans to make the final roster if healthy.

• Miles McBride has been floated as a possible trade candidate, but Begley reports that the Knicks have shut down talks to this point. McBride is highly valued by the organization due to his production, age, and contract — and multiple rival teams are interested.

• Second-year wing Pacome Dadiet is considered more likely to be moved. He drew a surprise preseason start with OG Anunoby sidelined, but didn’t impress. Head coach Mike Brown downplayed his rotation role heading into the weekend.

“In terms of Pac in the rotation, I wouldn’t take into account too much that Pac started in the last game,” Brown said, per Stefan Bondy of The New York Post.

Wizards

Veteran wing Khris Middleton stands out as the elder statesman on a young Wizards roster.

Middleton said he’s embracing his role as a mentor.

“These guys are eager to play, and that’s what basketball players want to be around, people that are energetic, happy about playing basketball,” he said, via Josh Robbins of The Athletic. “That’s what I love about this group. They’re all young. They’re all learning. I just want to help guide them on their way.

“I don’t want to necessarily overstep and try to be the ‘super vet.’ I want to give them room and a path to let them grow and find their own journey, like my own vets did with me.”