Pop's Got a Problem: Popovich Shocked by Mavs' Klay Thompson Deal
Hold up, did the Mavericks really just do that? It's not every day you see a team go all-in on a 33-year-old, injury-prone shooting guard. But that's exactly what the Dallas Mavericks did by signing Klay Thompson to a multi-year contract, leaving Gregg Popovich shaking his head in disbelief.
"I'm shocked, frankly," Popovich told reporters. "I mean, Klay's a great player when he's healthy, but you're talking about a guy who's missed a bunch of time with injuries over the last few years. That's a lot of risk for Dallas to take on."
Popovich's reaction is understandable. Thompson's recent injury history is a major red flag, even for a team like the Mavs who are desperate for a reliable scoring option. He's missed significant time due to injuries since his dominant run with the Golden State Warriors.
Popovich is known for his conservative approach to player acquisitions, prioritizing health and consistency over flashy names. He's built dynasties in San Antonio by taking smart, calculated risks, not throwing caution to the wind. He's also seen firsthand the devastating impact of injuries on his own team, having dealt with the losses of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Kawhi Leonard over the years.
So what's the deal with this move by the Mavs? Are they gambling on a gamble? Is it a desperate attempt to keep up with the Western Conference's top dogs? Or are they actually confident that Thompson can stay healthy and rediscover his All-Star form?
Only time will tell, but Pop ain't buying it. He's seen it all in his long coaching career and he knows that injuries are unpredictable.
This move throws a major wrench into the Western Conference landscape, and everyone's gonna be watching to see if the Mavs can pull it off. One thing's for sure, though: Pop's not holding his breath.