Nico Harrison Feels Klay Thompson Is The ‘Missing Piece’

Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison feels like Mavericks Shooting Guard Klay Thompson is the “missing piece” to the Mavericks’ NBA title hopes. The Mavericks lost to the Boston Celtics in five games in the 2024 NBA Finals, and acquired Thompson, 34, in a six-team sign-and-trade in the 2024 NBA offseason.

Thompson can be the Mavericks’ “missing piece” to their NBA title hopes, but there are a few things that he needs to do sooner rather than later. Take, for example, Thompson’s three-point shooting must be efficient like in his 13-year tenure as a Golden State Warrior and a “Splash Brother.” Read on for further details.

Nico Harrison Shares Missing Piece Feelings

Nico Harrison recently shared his “missing piece” feelings surrounding Klay Thompson’s potential impact on the Dallas Mavericks. Before becoming the Mavericks’ General Manager and President of Basketball Operations, Harrison was an Executive at Nike, Inc., for 19 years. He played college basketball at Army from 1991 to 1992 and at Montana State from 1993 to 1996. He was inducted into the Montana State Bobcats’ Hall of Fame in 2015.

Harrison told SiriusXM NBA Radio’s Zach Harper, “Honestly, after the (NBA) Finals, we felt that we were close. … I kind of say this, it has a good ring to it, but we were a Klay (Thompson) away. We feel like he’s a guy that can take us over the top.”

Harrison’s recent feelings surrounding Thompson might not resonate with the Mavericks fans, but Harrison was justified in feeling the way he did. Thompson’s impact might not take the Mavericks over the top, but his stacked resume can help improve the Mavericks’ chances of success.

Nico Harrison and Dallas Mavericks’ Woes

Nico Harrison and the Dallas Mavericks’ woes were apparent in the 2024 NBA Finals. The Mavericks not only lost to the Boston Celtics embarrassingly but were also doomed by mediocre three-point shooting and lacked a consistent third scorer behind Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Harrison and the Mavericks’ woes can be reduced by Klay Thompson. Thompson can reduce the Mavericks’ deficiencies in three-point shooting and be a third-scorer as long as he stays healthy and remains consistent. Thompson’s final year with the Golden State Warriors was marred by personal frustrations, production struggles, and a lack of a starting rotation spot.

How Klay Thompson Can Take Dallas Mavericks Higher

Klay Thompson can take the Dallas Mavericks higher, but there are a few things that he needs to do sooner than later. Thompson must play in vintage fashion as an efficient three-pointer scorer like in his “Splash Brothers” days alongside Stephen Curry.

Thompson’s recent performance in the Mavericks’ preseason game No. 3 against the Los Angeles Clippers was disappointing, to put it mildly. He went scoreless after shooting 0-of-9 from the field and 0-of-6 from beyond the arc. He needs to improve in the Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks preseason game No. 4 on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Central.