Former Nigerian-American player Festuz Ezeli has backed the Dallas Mavericks to be the best team in the Western Conference after adding the services of former Golden State Warriors veteran Klay Thompson in the off-season. 

Klay Thompson joined the Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million deal. Thompson spent 13 years with the Golden State Warriors and four NBA championships with the Dubs.

Thompson, 34, averaged 17.9 points in the last edition, his lowest since 2012-13 but he will be determined to prove his mettle for the Mavericks and clinch his fifth NBA ring.

The previous season runners-up has the services of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving and Thompson is going to add more value with his experience.

“I will say the Mavs with Klay Thompson in the lineup are gonna be the best team in the West,” Ezeli said on ESPN’s NBA Today.

“… I know the Minnesota Timberwolves and OKC Thunder are gonna have a lot to say about this as well, but I think you’re replacing a little bit of defense with more shooting by adding Klay Thompson into the lineup. I’ve told you about what he brings on the court, but his chemistry and morale are gonna be boosted because of this,” he added.

On the other hand, Doncic averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds in 70 games in 2023-24.

The Slovenian was close to averaging a triple-double in the previous season of the NBA whereas Kyrie Irving averaged 25.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds in 58 games in 2023-24.

Dallas Mavericks will begin their NBA campaign against San Antonio Spurs on 24th October at the American Airlines Center.