Jason Kidd recently disclosed that Kyrie Irving played a pivotal role in recruiting Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavs head coach noted that while many were involved in the recruitment process, Irving was instrumental.
“One of the biggest players in that was Kai,” Kidd said on NBC Sports Bay Area’s “Dubs Talk,” as reported by Monte Poole.
Irving’s influence was significant due to his personal insights. “Kai being able to, player to player, (detail) his experience of what Dallas has been like for him in two years and being able to tell Klay the honest truth,” Kidd added.
Kidd acknowledged the collective effort behind the recruitment. “I would love to say it was all me, but it wasn’t. It was a team effort,” he explained.
He emphasized the importance of player-to-player communication in the process. “This was about Kai and Klay being able to talk,” Kidd stated.
Thompson’s decision to join the Mavericks was well-considered. “I also believe Klay did his homework, just understanding the situation,” Kidd said.
The sharpshooter, who signed a three-year deal with Dallas, left the Golden State Warriors as a free agent.
His move to Dallas marks a significant change, with Irving’s firsthand experiences being a key factor in the decision.
