Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Klay Thompson is starting a new chapter with the Dallas Mavericks, and he’s chosen a new jersey number to honor one of the greatest shooters of all time.
At his introductory press conference on Tuesday, Thompson revealed he will wear No. 31 with the Mavericks. He mentioned that many great players in Mavericks history, like Jason Terry, have worn that number. However, the primary reason for his choice is to pay homage to Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller.
“Reggie Miller wore 31. I watched so much footage of Reggie coming off screens as a teenager, especially his ability to make game-winning shots,” Thompson said. “That is the most inspiring thing to see as a shooter because he had no fear. Whether he made or missed the shot, he was gonna live or die by it.
“That’s how I model my game, just being able to space the floor. You can’t leave me open like you couldn’t Reggie. That was an inspiration for me as well. I thought I have a chance to pass him in threes made, so that would be a cool way to honor someone who really paved the way for a shooter like me.”
Thompson is on track to surpass Miller on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers made list next season. Miller ranks fifth with 2,560 three-pointers, while Thompson has 2,481, needing just 80 to pass him.
Thompson wore No. 11 with the Warriors, but with Kyrie Irving wearing that number in Dallas, he chose to honor Miller with No. 31 instead.