Klay Thompson is Making the Warriors Regret Their Painful Podziemski Gamble
For over a decade, Klay Thompson was synonymous with the Golden State Warriors. His sharpshooting, tenacious defense, and championship pedigree helped define their dynasty.
But this season, fans are adjusting to the jarring sight of Thompson donning a Dallas Mavericks jersey.
While it may have been a tough adjustment for Thompson himself, his recent performances suggest he’s found his stride—and he’s making the Warriors question their decision to let him walk.
A Strong Start in Dallas
Thompson’s tenure with the Mavericks began with nerves during his first preseason game, but those jitters quickly gave way to the familiar brilliance that fans had come to expect.
Over the last four games, he’s been on fire, scoring more than 19 points in each contest.
The highlight? A vintage 29-point outing against his former team at the Chase Center.
Though he still expresses gratitude for his time in the Bay Area, Thompson is laser-focused on helping the Mavericks chase a championship.
His sights are set on winning a fifth ring, and his role as one of the Mavs’ primary scorers has been pivotal to their success.
Warriors’ Gamble on Podziemski Backfiring
Golden State’s decision to prioritize rookie guard Brandin Podziemski over Thompson marked the beginning of the end for the Splash Brother’s time with the team.
The move to bench Thompson in favor of the rookie last season was a bitter pill to swallow for the veteran star.
Despite Podziemski’s promising debut year, the Warriors’ bold gamble on the young guard hasn’t paid dividends in his sophomore season.
Podziemski’s numbers this year are underwhelming: 7.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game on just 37.6% shooting from the field and a dismal 25% from three-point range.
Compared to his stellar rookie campaign, his sophomore slump has been glaring. Meanwhile, Thompson’s resurgence in Dallas is adding salt to the wound for Golden State.
A Perfect Fit in Dallas
Part of the allure of joining the Mavericks for Thompson was the assurance of a starting role, something the Warriors could no longer guarantee.
Now thriving in his new environment, he’s averaging 14.0 points per game, ranking third on the team behind superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Thompson’s efficiency from beyond the arc has also been a crucial factor in the Mavericks’ strong start to the season.
While November saw some struggles, Thompson has turned things around, becoming one of Dallas’ most consistent contributors. His leadership, experience, and scoring ability have made him an invaluable asset to a team with championship aspirations.
Warriors Left to Wonder
For the Warriors, the decision to let Thompson go in favor of a younger guard has been anything but smooth.
Podziemski’s struggles and Thompson’s resurgence are glaring reminders of the risk they took—a risk that may have cost them a chance to remain title contenders.
As the Mavericks climb the standings and Thompson continues to thrive, Golden State fans are left wondering: Was parting with the Splash Brother worth the gamble?
