Sources Confirm Troubling Luka Doncic Update as Major Klay Thompson Concern Comes to Light

The 2024 NBA Finals were nothing short of painful as the dreams of the Dallas Mavericks crumbled. After an extraordinary season, they were left empty-handed and had no choice but to walk away with nothing but the thought of trying again next year. With that, last season was over, and so are the Mavericks’ chances of playing elite basketball. The reason? Luka Doncic‘s absence— a void the franchise has been unable to fill. But it looks like the Mavs will have to wait a bit longer, as sources claim that the Slovenian star will require more time before making his return.

This came up on the Warriors Plus Minus podcast after the Mavs’ 110-105 defeat against the Hornets. While discussing how the Hornets had outplayed the Western team, host Anthony Slater remarked, “I watched the second half of Charlotte-Dallas today, where LaMelo Ball and the Hornets, with Del Curry on the call, are cooking the Mavericks, who, I don’t know, like Luka Doncic feels still pretty far away. They’re tumbling down the standings.”

This comes as no surprise, as the Mavs have been highly inconsistent this season. The situation became even more apparent after Doncic was sidelined. The team suffered a massive blow on Christmas Day during their game against the Timberwolves when Doncic was forced to walk off the court due to a left calf sprain. And since then, the story has been all too familiar.

The expectation for his return is set for about a month after a reevaluation. However, some recent footage has sparked hope among fans, leading them to believe that Doncic is healing faster than expected and could potentially return sooner. But, all is still not well. Now it is Slater’s update that looks troubling for the Mavs.

Doncic has missed 19 games this season, during which the team managed a 10-11 record. However, in their last ten games, they’ve only recorded three wins, which is quite concerning. To make matters worse, Klay Thompson, instead of stepping up, has struggled to find his rhythm.

Luka Doncic’s absence sparks concerns for Klay Thompson’s Performance

The Mavericks added Klay to support Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, forming what was expected to be a formidable Big 3. With Thompson on the court, the dynamic duo would have more space to operate and lead the offense. But unfortunately, the 25-year-old had to exit from the picture. And with his absence, even Klay’s playmaking abilities seemed to vanish.

At the start of the season, Klay appeared to regain his confidence and took charge, but now he’s visibly struggling. People knew the former Warrior for his ability to create offense at various levels, but his efficiency has dropped.

Even his signature pump fakes, once a key part of his game, are no longer timely. Despite getting multiple open chances, Klay hesitated to shoot, opting for pump fakes that ultimately ruined his opportunities. Even against the Hornets, he had a clear shot to lead the game into overtime. All he needed to do was take the open, deep shot in the final quarter. Instead, he pump-faked and missed a golden opportunity, thus finishing with only seven points.

So far this season, Klay has averaged 13.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and two assists while shooting just over 41% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc. This growing uncertainty surrounding Klay’s performance puts even more pressure on Kyrie Irving, who will have to carry the team on his shoulders until Doncic returns. And when that will happen is still a mystery.