Describe Klay Thompson? Motivated and dangerous

When Jason Terry came through Dallas with the Utah Jazz last week, he had a warning for the Western Conference.

The message was that a skilled NBA player is truly dangerous when he is highly motivated.

Consider Klay Thompson dangerous.

As Terry, who knows a thing or two about the NBA from his time as a championship winner in Dallas and an assistant coach with the Jazz, said: “Thompson has motivation.”

It's not just a desire to show that he can win big outside of Golden State – although that's certainly a major theme in his career storyline.

Thompson confirmed there was more to it.

“I still want to get over the idea that I'm not the same defender I used to be,” Thompson said after taking on the defensive challenge against Utah's Jordan Clarkson, Keyonte George and others in the preseason game. “I really think I am. I'm looking forward to proving people wrong and proving that I can still guard the elite players in this league.

“I thought it was a good step in the right direction for me to challenge the ball handler and switch to whoever.”

Thompson was an elite defender in his earlier days. But it's fair to question that ability, after a few serious leg injuries and the simple fact that Father Time is working against him.

But never underestimate the pride factor.

“It's a nice thing to be in the league for 14 years and have something to prove,” coach Jason Kidd said of Thompson. “He will protect everyone. At the moment they (the defense plans) are very simple. There are no tricks. We just try to keep everyone ahead. He is a two-way player. He can defend. He takes pride in being able to play on both sides.”

And it's a task that should be easier for Thompson this season. He feels healthy. And he has a little help around him at the other end of the field in Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

“It's really nice when you have great offensive players like Luka and Kai and you don't feel like you have to shoulder the load on that side of the ball as much, and I can kind of fall back on defense like I did “I’ve done it on the other side.” “In the past,” Thompson said.

That and the idea of ​​winning a title without being part of the Splash Brothers is what makes Thompson a passionate shooting expert this season.

He is also excited to play with his new teammates. Although his time with Luka has been limited because the superstar point guard is taking it slow after a calf injury, Thompson knows a lot about the game with Irving, which they will play again on Monday night in Los Angeles against the Clippers.

“Absolutely,” Thompson said. “The times we played together, we had great success with the U.S. (international) team, so I'm really looking forward to building that chemistry with him again.” And when Luka comes back, it'll be even better. It’s going to be great.”

And Thompson's association with Dončić and Irving makes him excited for everything that happens this season, which gets underway in earnest on October 24 after friendlies on Monday and Thursday.

“That’s a big reason I came here, those two guys,” Thompson said. “(I have) big dreams and ambitions with this team. They were so close (to reaching the NBA Finals) last year and I really feel like we have everything we need.

“I’m more motivated than ever.”

But another reason Thompson was thought to be a perfect fit for this team — aside from his next-level shooting ability — is that he's been there before.

He won four championships with the Warriors and Steph Curry, among others. He knows how to do it, just like Irving, who won a title with LeBron James in Cleveland.

“I’ve been fortunate to be a part of championship teams,” Thompson said. “And I probably realize more than anyone that it takes everyone to get involved and it doesn't come down to one person.

“It’s not Luka’s fault. It's not Kai's fault, although we can't do it without her. They are our best players. But the teams that have won championships in the past have great depth and incredible players with different skill sets.”

Thompson then gave a local example.

“Look at the 2011 Mavericks team,” he said. “They had a superstar in Dirk (Nowitzki) and every other player, so many of them were All-Star level or All-Stars. I see similar characteristics in this team. It’s exciting.”

And it's worth noting that Jet Terry was part of that team and he's optimistic about a motivated Thompson.

X: @ESefko