Cousins believes NBA will see ‘happy Klay’ after Warriors departure originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Emotions have been and will remain high for Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Klay Thompson and the Warriors as they navigate their new separation.
But former Golden State center DeMarcus Cousins believes these emotions will be mostly positive for Thompson.
“Obviously, Dallas has gotten better,” Cousins said on the Run It Back Podcast. “They’ve added a third piece that complements them perfectly. There’s less pressure on Klay to perform the way they expected him to in Golden State. So it’s less pressure in Dallas. I think we see Klay having a very good year He’s going to do that.” I think he’ll have a good comeback season.
“The most important thing is that we will see a happy Klay. Klay wants to be loved and embraced, and I think Dallas is the perfect fan base and city to achieve that. So we’ll see a happy Klay and that’s good for the NBA.”
Thompson spent 13 seasons in the Bay after being drafted No. 11 overall by Golden State in 2011. He averaged 19.6 points on 45.3 percent shooting from the field and 41.3 percent from 3-point range, adding 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists while he was Warriors. career, helping the team win four NBA titles with his lights-out shooting and once-elite defense.
He is also a five-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Third Team honoree, but he had one of his “worst” performances last season while still averaging 18 points on 43.2 percent shooting from the field and 38.7 percent from 3, along with 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
A fresh start seemed necessary for Thompson, and both he and the Warriors were ready to turn the page on a book of unforgettable memories.
And while both sides embrace a new season full of change, Cousins is confident it will ultimately be a good thing.
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