The Dallas Mavericks are experiencing one of their best offseasons in franchise history, significantly upgrading their roster on both offense and defense. They addressed their weaknesses by adding key players.
Defensively, the Mavericks improved with the acquisitions of Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall. Grimes is known for his tenacious defense and quick hands, while Marshall, a large wing, uses his size and toughness to create challenges for opponents.
On the offensive side, the Mavericks brought in Klay Thompson and Spencer Dinwiddie, both excellent scorers. Thompson fills the crucial role of a third scoring option, and Dinwiddie eases the pressure on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving by providing an additional ball handler.
Draymond Green says Klay Thompson wearing No. 31 jersey for Mavericks is ‘disgusting’
Off the court, Klay Thompson’s jersey number has become a hot topic. Thompson chose to wear No. 31, inspired by former players like Jason Terry and Reggie Miller, instead of his usual No. 11, as Kyrie Irving already wears that number for the Mavericks.
Not everyone is pleased with the switch. Draymond Green, Thompson’s former teammate, shared his thoughts on the Club 520 Podcast. Green expressed his disapproval, stating:
“It’s disgusting. Somebody said to me like, ‘Yo 31 that’s Reggie Miller’s number’ and I said ‘Yeah but he’s Klay Thompson.'”
Green, along with Jeff Teague and others on the podcast, discussed Thompson’s choice. Some felt Thompson was “out of pocket” for choosing 31, while others argued he was better than Miller. Green compared the situation to another former teammate, Festus Ezeli, who also wore 31:
“And then Festus Ezeli wore 31. And like, Fest just tried to go at on Instagram like ‘what’s wrong with 31?’ I’m like you wore it.”
Green humorously suggested that since Ezeli wore 31, Thompson shouldn’t. He emphasized that Thompson, a four-time NBA champion, is far superior to Ezeli.
Green questioned why Thompson didn’t choose another number, given his significant accomplishments. Despite Green’s disapproval, Thompson’s choice can be seen as a tribute to Reggie Miller, who leads Thompson by 79 three-pointers. Wearing Miller’s number honors his idol and acknowledges his legacy.
Additionally, former Mavericks legend Jason Terry also wore 31 and won a championship with it. Thompson aims to replicate that success in Dallas and hopes to secure his fifth ring with the team.
Although Green respects Thompson and his contributions to the Warriors, he is clearly not a fan of the new No. 31 Thompson will be wearing in Dallas.