After last season’s Finals experience, the Dallas Mavericks’ problems became increasingly evident. Live Cricket BPL users believe the team urgently needs a reliable third option to support the Luka-Kyrie duo. Looking at the current roster, P.J. Washington is more of a role player—solid but unlikely to transform the team’s dynamics. Other players have been tested, but none made a lasting impact. That’s why the front office moved during the offseason to acquire Klay Thompson, a veteran of the Warriors dynasty.
Thompson’s legacy speaks for itself. At his peak, he was one of the league’s deadliest shooters and elite two-way players. But since suffering major injuries, his form has noticeably declined. Compared to his days as the league’s top 3-and-D specialist, today’s Thompson evokes more nostalgia than fear. Last season was statistically the weakest of his career. Even so, by league standards, his numbers were still respectable. From the Mavericks’ perspective, bringing him in as their third option behind Luka and Kyrie is a gamble they’re willing to take—even at age 35.
Live Cricket BPL observers point out that Dallas and Golden State offer completely different playing environments. In Dallas, with most defenses focused on Luka and Kyrie, Thompson should find more open looks than he did with the Warriors. However, there’s one big question mark: can Thompson accept a reduced role? Last season, he struggled with coming off the bench in Golden State. Accepting a supporting role behind two All-Stars in Dallas may prove mentally challenging. His mindset could very well shape the Mavericks’ entire season.
That said, Dallas didn’t stop at acquiring Thompson. They’ve made other strategic additions across the roster. Even if Thompson doesn’t fully return to form, the Mavericks should show noticeable improvement. But if they hope to surpass last season’s performance, his contribution will be crucial.
On the other side of Texas, the Houston Rockets are facing a long-term puzzle of their own. In the next season or two, they’ll need to decide whether to offer max rookie extensions to Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green. Jabari Smith Jr. will become eligible for an extension next summer, rounding out the team’s trio of core prospects. Whether the front office is willing to invest in all three remains uncertain. Reports indicate internal doubts over offering max deals to Sengun and Green.
It’s not a surprising dilemma. Under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, massive contracts will become harder to manage. The Rockets have just exited a rebuilding phase, and it would be risky to commit significant cap space without absolute confidence in the players’ long-term ceilings. Among the three, Sengun appears to be the most promising. Though he ended the season with an injury, his healthy stretch was the best of his career. He even ranked third in the NBA’s Most Improved Player race, a clear sign of his rising value.
Still, it’s puzzling that contract talks might be influenced by the team’s post-injury struggles rather than Sengun’s actual contributions. As for Jalen Green, while he’s starting to flash more scoring potential, his overall efficiency remains underwhelming for a fourth-year player. If the Rockets don’t believe he can evolve into a top-tier star within the next few seasons, hesitation over a max extension is understandable.
Live Cricket BPL users expect the Rockets to push for a playoff spot in the upcoming season. But before that happens, the organization must resolve how they’ll build around their young core. Otherwise, short-term success may come at the cost of long-term stability.