Klay Thompson impacting the Mavericks beyond the box score

When the Dallas Mavericks landed Klay Thompson this summer, his addition was seen as a huge boost to their chances of winning a championship. Thompson is an elite sharpshooter with vast postseason experience, winning four rings with the Golden State Warriors. 

To begin his tenure in Texas, Thompson is averaging 13 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists. He's shooting 38.9% from the field and 36.6% from three-point range. Those aren't bad numbers for a third option on a heliocentric team like the Mavericks. 

However, it would appear Thompson's impact is being felt beyond the basketball court. According to Quentin Grimes, who also joined the Mavericks during the offseason, the veteran sharpshooter's presence is helping him develop his own game and approach. 

“Watching Klay has been huge for me,” Grimes told Grant Afseth of Sportskeeda. “Whether he’s having a great shooting night or a rough one, he has no conscience—he keeps shooting like it’s going to go in every time. That’s big for shooters like me. Seeing his consistency and his mentality, where every shot is taken with confidence, has helped me focus on impacting the game and trusting my work. The shots will fall because of the effort you put in.”

Thompson is a genuine veteran. His experience in the league is invaluable, especially to younger talents who play a similar position. The Mavs may not have envisioned Thompson taking on a mentorship role this early into his time with the franchise, but it's doubtful they won't be grateful for it. 

Grimes joined Dallas as part of the deal that sent Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Detroit Pistons. He's already shown improvements and is knocking down perimeter shots at a career-high 42.3% clip. Learning from Thompson is a smart move from the fourth-year guard.  

Suddenly, Thompson's value in Dallas is two-fold. He makes the on-court product better courtesy of the spacing he provides for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. But he's also a true veteran who can help mentor some of the younger talents on the roster. 

If the Mavericks end up with a championship during Thompson's run with the franchise, then his addiction should be viewed as a home run. He's bringing everything to the table.