The Dallas Mavericks made a critical shift in their starting lineup Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans, moving veteran guard Klay Thompson to a reserve role amid a brutal shooting slump. The decision by Head Coach Jason Kidd signals the organization’s urgency in addressing its slow 2-5 start to the 2025-26 season.
Thompson, 35, who had started every game since joining Dallas, has struggled severely with efficiency, averaging a career-low in points while shooting a meager 32.8 percent from the field and 27.5 percent from three-point range.
D’Angelo Russell Draws the Start
Replacing Thompson in the starting five is guard D’Angelo Russell, who earns his first start of the season. Russell joins a lineup that includes rookie Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Max Christie.
The move is designed to address multiple shortcomings that have plagued the Mavericks’ starting unit, which currently holds the NBA’s lowest offensive rating. While Thompson remains an elite threat when hot, his inability to consistently score has created severe spacing issues.
The insertion of Russell brings another consistent ball-handler and playmaker into the starting unit, a necessity with star guard Kyrie Irving sidelined indefinitely following ACL surgery. Russell’s presence is expected to streamline the offense, alleviate pressure on Cooper Flagg, who has been starting at point guard, and generate easier shots for the entire lineup.
Christie’s Ascent and the Defensive Fix
The change also indirectly rewards the emergence of Max Christie. The fourth-year guard has been one of the few bright spots for Dallas this season, showcasing reliable three-point shooting (around 50 percent from deep) and providing much-needed perimeter defense. Christie’s strong defensive capabilities and offensive efficiency made him a leading candidate to step into the starting lineup had Kidd chosen to replace Thompson with him directly.
However, moving Thompson to the bench is designed to improve the team’s overall balance. The move allows Thompson to be a primary scoring focal point against opposing bench units, utilizing his off-ball gravity in a less strenuous role while allowing the starting unit to prioritize playmaking and point-of-attack defense with Russell and Christie running the backcourt.
For Thompson, the transition to a reserve role—a scenario he resisted during his final year with the Golden State Warriors—marks a significant turning point, but one the Mavericks hope will inject life into their struggling campaign.
