By Dorothy J. Gentry
Photos/Video: Dorothy J. Gentry and Caroline Jurgensen Photography
For the first time in their careers, Dirk Nowitzki and Klay Thompson were on the same team.
Not basketball, but tennis.
Thompson, the newest Dallas Maverick, joined Nowitzki, Steve Nash, J.J. Barea, Dr. Phil McGraw, pro tennis champs Coco Vandeweghe and Mark Knowles and others for an afternoon of tennis at the 2024 Dirk Nowitzki Foundation Celebrity Tennis Classic. The indoor tournament was held at the Banner House at T Bar M in North Dallas.
In its sixth year, the charity event, presented by Chime, benefits nonprofits that focus on children’s wellbeing, health and education.
Thompson said he was excited for the opportunity to participate in the tournament as he gets acclimated to his new city.
“I grew up watching Dirk and Steve (Nash). I have great respect for those guys,” Thompson said. “I just want to get a feel for the city and I just wanted to be out here. Tennis is a great sport.”
Nowitzki, who continues to serve as a consultant with the Mavericks, called Thompson “a good dude.”
“He’s got a big heart. I had previously met him a bunch of times during our careers and we competed against each other,” Nowitzki said. “He’s just super laid back and super chill at all times. I reached out to see if he wanted to come out. I didn’t even know if he played tennis.j
“I Just wanted him to come out and get a feel for the community and he was all for it,” Nowitzki said. “He came over to the house and we hit a little bit. He’s got some strokes. He was so nice to come out and support.”
The players were divided into teams, Team Nash and Team Nowitzki. Team Nash won.
