Dedan Gelo Russell on playing with Klay Thompson: "It s like 2K to me"

According to Nico Martinez, an analyst at US sports media F/W, Russell is excited about finally competing with Thompson. In the podcast, the Mavericks defender said it felt like a video game to fight alongside the experienced sharpshooter and promised that their collaboration would inspire the best of both of them. "I can't wait to play with Clay. It's like 2K to me," Russell said. "Dallas just became famous. I was going to play in the open gym and they said 'Clay would be there ', and I was like 'hell. 'We didn't have a chance to play with the Golden State Warriors... but he knew who I was."

Russell played with many legends throughout his career, including LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. However, in the Mavericks, they have formed a strong synergy, which Russell says is playing to his best. "I know what you're going to do for my game, but you know what I'm going to do for your game? We're locked up," Russell added. "We have players on the court and I'm thinking about him before."

It's a pivotal season for the Mavericks as they want to validate the deal that shocked the entire basketball world. Losing Luca Doncic was a big blow, but the combination of Russell, Thompson, Cooper Flag and Anthony Davis could be enough to keep them alive and defend their status as one of the best teams in the West.

Russell and Thompson were teammates for the 2019-20 season, where they briefly caught a glimpse of each other’s daily activities. Unfortunately, Klay Thompson never played that season as he was recovering from an ACL torn. Russell was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves by the Warriors before he had a chance to return, and most people thought their story ended there.

Over the years, Russell has gone from the Timberwolves to the Lakers and then back to the Nets to find his new NBA home. He hopes that the Mavericks can become the right candidate. So far, the signs look good and things are moving in a positive direction. Today, with Clay and Russell reunited again, people are very optimistic about what they might do together. Russell, in particular, will have the opportunity to shine while Kyrie Irving is still struggling to return. Anyway, the young defender will play a big role in the Mavericks and he will be a key member of the backcourt.

As for Clay, his best days may have passed now after two major injuries, but his talent and championship experience will always be there. Last season, he averaged 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4 assists, and he has proven that he can still contribute and he can teach his young teammates a lot. Without Luca Doncic, the Mavericks' roster looks different, but Russell is excited about his chemistry with Thompson, which may be the spark that Dallas needs. If the backcourt was as he imagined, the Mavericks might not only survive in the West, but also flourish. What do you think?