In a move that has left fans buzzing and basketball analysts scrambling to recalibrate their expectations, Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd made a stunning announcement earlier today: five-time NBA All-Star and former Golden State Warriors legend klay thompson will now serve as the starting shooting guard for the Mavericks — not small forward, as many had anticipated.
The statement was made during a post-practice media session at the Mavericks’ training facility, and reactions came pouring in almost instantly. The biggest of them? Shock, disbelief, and cautious excitement — particularly from long-time Mavericks supporters who had been speculating about Thompson’s role since his off-season acquisition.
A Shocking Shift in the Starting Lineup
Coach Kidd began his address to the media by praising the versatility and leadership that Thompson has already brought to the team since joining the Mavericks earlier this year. But then came the twist.
“After reviewing our chemistry, film, and player dynamics, we’ve decided to officially move Klay into the starting shooting guard role,” Kidd said. “His court vision, off-ball movement, and perimeter defense make him an ideal fit alongside Luka [DonÄŤić]. We believe this change gives us the best shot at contending deep into the playoffs.”
Fans and insiders alike had expected Thompson to take on the small forward position, a role that would have allowed the Mavericks to capitalize on his size and defensive abilities without crowding the backcourt. However, Kidd’s announcement flips that assumption on its head, suggesting a bold and aggressive strategy as the team heads into the final stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs.
Mavericks Fan Reaction: Shock, Confusion, and Hype
Social media lit up within minutes of the announcement. One fan outside the American Airlines Center, who was interviewed by a local Dallas sports channel, seemed almost at a loss for words.
“I mean… wait, Klay’s a shooting guard again? Seriously?” said Diego Torres, a lifelong Mavericks supporter and season ticket holder. “I thought the whole plan was to make him our wing — you know, let him play the three and stretch the floor with Luka and Kyrie. But hey, if Kidd sees something we don’t, maybe it’s genius. It just shocked the hell out of me.”
That sentiment was echoed across Twitter, Reddit, and Mavericks fan forums. Some fans are worried that slotting Thompson into the two-guard spot could create a potential overlap with Kyrie Irving’s role. Others, however, see it as a way to unlock a new level of offensive firepower, possibly replicating the kind of synergy Thompson once shared with Steph Curry.
Strategic Implications: Why This Move Might Make Sense
Basketball analysts are already diving into the Xs and Os. ESPN’s Zach Lowe weighed in just hours after the news broke, offering some insight into why the Mavericks might be making the shift.
“Look, Klay’s still one of the best off-ball shooters in NBA history,” Lowe explained during a live broadcast. “Put him alongside Luka and Kyrie — both elite playmakers — and you’ve got a nightmare for opposing defenses. Klay doesn’t need to dribble. He just needs a split second of space, and the ball’s going in.”
Additionally, Thompson has shown flashes of his pre-injury defensive form this season. By shifting him to shooting guard, the Mavericks can potentially hide Kyrie on less physical perimeter threats, using Klay to take on tougher backcourt assignments.
Chemistry with Luka and Kyrie
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the announcement is what it suggests about the team’s evolving chemistry. Early season footage has shown Luka Dončić and Thompson exchanging plenty of smiles, chest bumps, and no-look passes. While the sample size is still small, the pairing already looks promising.
Kidd elaborated on this point during the press conference: “Klay and Luka have built a really special connection in a short time. Luka’s IQ and Klay’s instinct just click. And Kyrie’s ability to create and handle the rock gives us three guys who can explode on any given night.”
What’s Next for the Mavs?
The Mavericks currently sit comfortably within the playoff picture, and the new lineup could be the spark they need to go from dangerous to deadly. With Thompson now in the backcourt, it’s likely that players like Josh Green or Derrick Jones Jr. will see more minutes at the small forward spot. This could also mean a more fluid rotation, with Kidd opting for matchups based on opponent strengths.
In the coming games, all eyes will be on how well Thompson adapts to his redefined role and whether this gamble pays off. If it does, it might just be the move that defines the Mavericks’ 2025 playoff run — and potentially cements Jason Kidd’s legacy as a master strategist.
Final Thoughts
While many fans are still reeling from the announcement, the message from Kidd is clear: The Mavericks are all in.
As one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Klay at SG? If that means another ring in Dallas, I’m all for it. Let’s ride.”
Only time will tell whether this bold decision will be remembered as brilliance or a bust — but one thing’s for sure: Dallas just got a whole lot more interesting.