Texas Notes: Thompson, Hardy, Collins, Johnson

Klay Thompson He bristles at the idea that he can no longer defend at a high level and is eager to prove the skeptics wrong, he told Mavs.com's Eddie Sefko.

“I still want to get rid of the idea that I'm not the same defender I once was,” Thompson said. “I really think I am. I’m looking forward to proving people wrong and that I can still protect the elite players in this league.”

The fact that he joined one outsider Two star team Kyrie Irving And Luka Doncic contributes to this motivation.

“That’s a big reason why I came here, these 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.”

We have more on the Texas teams:

• Reserve guard Jaden Hardy intends to establish himself as a tough defender, he told Grant Afseth of Sportskeeda.com. “Right now my focus is on defending the three better, getting the full court and challenging the guys as they move the ball up.” he said. “I’m also working on being in the right places on defense, communications and providing energy.” Hardy will be a restricted free agent next summer.
• Spurs big man Zach Collins made his pre-season debut on Saturday after recovering from right shoulder surgery. He contributed 11 points in the win over Utah. “Considering the layoff, I thought he looked really good.” trainer Gregg Popovich said Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express News. “He went on board. He hit people. He wasn’t afraid of the shoulder or anything like that.”
• In the same preseason game Keldon Johnson exceeded than that Spurs' Sixth man to score 20 points. Johnson lost 10 pounds in the offseason and believes it made a difference in his performance level, he told McDonald. “I feel fast, I feel strong” Johnson said. “The best I’ve felt in a long time.”