On October 16, Beijing time, in basketball, a sport full of passion and change, every player is an indispensable part of the team's ecology, and they may be as dazzling as the scorching sun, leading the whole team forward; Or like a star, although it is not always the brightest one, it illuminates the night sky of the team with a steady contribution. Thompson, a player who played an important role in the Mavericks, encountered a twist and turn on the preseason stage like autumn sunset, reflecting not only the ups and downs of his personal form, but also the delicate balance between the team's role positioning and expectation management.
### Misalignment of roles with expectations
When Doncic and Irving, the two core of the team, were absent for some reason, the Mavericks fans and coaching staff naturally projected more expectations on Thompson, hoping that he could step up and play the role of interim leader in key moments. However, basketball is a team sport, and every player has their own unique talents and limitations, and Thompson is no exception. He's good at shooting accurately from the perimeter and putting constant pressure on the defensive end, rather than taking full control of the pace and direction of the game. This mismatch between roles and expectations made him seem a little overwhelmed in the preseason, as if he had been forced onto a stage that was not entirely suitable for him.
### The Art of Leaders and Deputies
Leaders and deputies are two very different beings on the basketball court. Leaders need to have extraordinary vision, decisiveness and leadership temperament, and be able to lead the team out of difficult situations when it matters most; The deputy is the character who pays silently behind the scenes and gives firm support to the main general at critical moments. Thompson, over the course of his many years of career, has proven himself to be an excellent deputy. He was able to stand next to Doncic and Irving, with accurate shooting and relentless defense, to contribute to the team's victory. This role positioning allows him to maximize his advantages while not stealing the limelight.
### Preseason lows and reflections
The sluggish performance in the preseason is undoubtedly a valuable lesson and an opportunity for reflection for Thompson. It made him realise that he needed to take on more responsibility in the absence of a core player, but it also reminded him that not all moments are suitable for him to be in the spotlight. This experience may give Thompson a clearer understanding of his role, so that he can focus more on what he is good at in future games and provide more stable and efficient contributions to the team.
### Anticipation on the regular season stage
With the return of Doncic and Irving, the Mavericks' roster will be revitalized. At that point, Thompson will return to his familiar support role. Under the leadership of the two cores, he is expected to regain the calmness and confidence he had at the beginning of the season, and contribute to the team's victory with accurate shots and active defense. The regular season, a real arena, will test the true strength and adaptability of every player. For Thompson, it will be a great opportunity for him to prove himself and regain his glory.
### Conclusion
In the world of basketball, there are no permanent winners and no permanent losers. The growth and transformation of every player is gradually completed through countless challenges and failures. Thompson, the player who had a bumpy start in the preseason, is standing at a new starting point and preparing for the challenges of the regular season. We have reason to believe that when Doncic and Irving join forces again, the Mavericks' lineup will be invincible; And Thompson will also shine his own light in the familiar auxiliary role. At that time, his performance will be like a gorgeous summer flower, bringing endless surprises and expectations to fans.