Klay Thompson has played for only two NBA teams in his storied career. Still, the Dallas Mavericks sharpshooter is convinced that one of his current teammates deserves a spot in the upper echelons of basketball legends.Appearing on the "Showtime With Coop" podcast, Thompson told host Michael Cooper in no uncertain terms that Kyrie Irving is one of the greatest NBA players ever."I just have great respect for Kyrie. He's the toughest guy I've ever guarded," Thompson said of Irving. "I put him up there with LeBron, KD, and Kobe."Thompson went on to praise Irving (who is on a three-year, $118,473,846 contract with the Mavericks, according to Spotrac) for some key intangibles that he brings to the team."You can just feel that energy when he walks in the building. He elevates everybody," the four-time NBA champion added. "I'm really excited when Kyrie comes back to the lineup so that we can be whole again."After arriving in Dallas during the 2024 offseason, Thompson and Irving played just 45 games together. Irving's season would then come to an abrupt end after tearing his left ACL in late March.No one can say for sure when Irving will come back to boost the Mavs' playoff chances in the upcoming season, but as far as his place in basketball history goes, Thompson is certain that "Uncle Drew" deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest of all time."I gotta lead these guys with my voice": Klay Thompson reveals new role that he plays in Mavs locker roomIn the same podcast appearance with Cooper, Thompson opened up on a new responsibility that he has taken on in his NBA career."I gotta lead these guys with my voice. I never really did that back in Golden State, so now I have a different calling to use my championship knowledge and show these guys it's a journey," Thompson said of his role with the Mavericks.Joey Mistretta @JoeyMistretta_LINKMore from Klay Thompson from the same podcast appearance: "I gotta lead these guys with my voice. I never really did that back in Golden State, so now I have a different calling to use my championship knowledge and show these guys it's a journey... We just gotta peak at the right time. So, I'm really excited. I'm actually gonna go to the gym now. I haven't been this motivated in years."Thompson added that he's "really excited" for the prospects of the Mavs this season. According to the five-time All-Star, his team just has to "peak at the right time."