DALLAS, TEXAS — The Dallas Mavericks kicked off their 2024-2025 season preparations on Sept. 30 with Media Day, as the team looks to build on last season’s NBA Finals appearance. The Mavs enter the new season with championship aspirations, a sentiment echoed by superstar Luka Dončić.
“We’re not satisfied with just getting there,” Dončić said. “This year, we’re aiming for the title.”
One of the key storylines heading into the season is the addition of four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson. Thompson, acquired during the offseason, expressed excitement about joining the Mavericks and playing alongside Dončić.
“I’m thrilled to be here,” Thompson said. “I think we have all the pieces we need to win.”
Head coach Jason Kidd discussed plans to experiment with the starting lineup during training camp, including the possibility of starting rookie center Dereck Lively II. Kidd emphasized the importance of flexibility as the team looks to find the best rotations ahead of the regular season.
“We’ve got a lot of talent on this roster, and we’ll be working through different combinations,” Kidd said. “Lively is a young guy with great potential, and we want to see what he can do.”
The Mavericks are set to begin training camp in Las Vegas, with their first preseason game scheduled for Oct. 7 against the Memphis Grizzlies.
As the new season approaches, the team is embracing the pressure that comes with high expectations.
“Last year was a great step for us, but we know the job isn’t finished,” Dončić said. “We’re ready to take it to the next level.”
