Klay Thompson debuted as a member of the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday morning, making his first public comments as a member of an organization not named the Golden State Warriors.
Thompson was asked, among many things, why he felt the move to the Mavericks, and departure from the Warriors, was the right move for him. In short, he needed a change of scenery with a competitor.
"Whether you play basketball or work in the corporate world or whatever industry, sometimes change just can spur greatness," Thompson said. "A new change of scenery can do wonders and I'm very grateful for my time at Golden State. But I just felt like moving on could just re-energize me and do something special for the rest of my career.
"And Dallas was so attractive because of the young players they have, the style of play the world class treatment these players get from this organization and just a beautiful city who loves their hoops. So when I was watching the playoffs, and I'm watching the Mavs make a run for the championship, I just saw myself fitting in really well with this team and the personnel and they look like they have fun playing with each other. They play for each other and that was very attractive for me. That's really all I needed to see and there's mutual interest there and that's why I'm here."
Thompson was asked to reflect on his time with the Warriors and his emotions surrounding the departure. He referenced Scottie Pippen's move to the Blazers as an example he can follow of a star aging into his late career well.
"I mean, probably a little disappointed at first, but then as time goes on, you have a lot of time to reflect and you realize what you did," Thompson said. "They can't take that away from you as far as the championships. I mean records are meant to be broken, but the impact you have on a community and all that, that will forever live. And sometimes breakups are necessary to do what's right and I'm not the first athlete in the NBA to go through this.
"I did grow up in Portland and I remember when Scottie Pippen came to the Blazers. That was like the biggest day of my life and I'm not saying I'm Scottie, but they were right there against the Lakers, almost won a chip, so I take a lot of inspiration from past athletes and how their careers might have gone astray when they either left the team or joined a new team and some guys thrive and I look forward to just kind of being rejuvenated here and playing -- a lot of good basketball left in the tank."
Asked what type of player he can be at this point in his career, Thompson said he can still guard and still can't be left open.
He seemed optimistic about the basketball he has yet to play.
"I know I can help his team," Thompson said. "Whether it's the knowledge I've gained or big scoring nights, I just still know I can be a very, very good player in this league."