The Dallas Mavericks are having one of their best offseasons in franchise history, bolstering their roster significantly. They’ve strengthened their defense with the additions of Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall. Grimes is a tough, savvy defender, while Marshall adds size and toughness on the wing.
Offensively, the Mavericks added Klay Thompson and Spencer Dinwiddie. Thompson fills the crucial role of a third scoring option, and Dinwiddie provides additional ball-handling support to ease the burden on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Draymond Green Calls Klay Thompson’s No. 31 Jersey ‘Disgusting’
Off the court, Klay Thompson’s decision to wear the No. 31 jersey for the Mavericks has sparked controversy. Thompson chose this number, citing inspiration from former players Jason Terry and Reggie Miller. This marks a change from his No. 11 jersey with the Golden State Warriors, as Kyrie Irving already wears No. 11 for the Mavs.
Draymond Green, Thompson’s former teammate, voiced his strong disapproval of the number switch on the Club 520 Podcast. “It’s disgusting,” Green remarked. “Somebody said to me, ‘Yo, 31, that’s Reggie Miller’s number,’ and I said, ‘Yeah, but he’s Klay Thompson.'”
Green Criticizes the Number Choice
Green, along with Jeff Teague and other podcast members, discussed their views on Thompson’s number choice. While some felt it was inappropriate for Thompson to wear No. 31, others argued that Thompson was better than Reggie Miller. Green continued to criticize the number, even comparing it to a former teammate.
“And then Festus Ezeli wore 31. Fest just tried to go at it on Instagram like, ‘What’s wrong with 31?’ I’m like, you wore it,” Green said, implying that if Ezeli wore the number, Thompson probably shouldn’t either.
Thompson’s Career and Number 31
Despite Green’s criticism, Thompson has a distinguished career with four NBA championships, significantly contributing to the Warriors’ success. Thompson wearing No. 31 could be seen as a tribute to Reggie Miller, who he has cited as one of his idols. This number also has significance for Mavericks fans, as Jason Terry wore it when he won a championship with Dallas.
Thompson hopes to replicate Terry’s success and win a championship with the Mavericks. While Green still respects Thompson’s contributions to the Warriors, he clearly disapproves of the new number Thompson will don in Dallas.
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