Leadership for the Dallas Mavericks is already taking shape, and Klay Thompson is at the center of it.

Klay Thompson has made nostalgia part of his message as the Mavericks begin a season with championship ambitions.

In the lead-up to training camp, Thompson suggested that the Mavericks’ 2011 title run be shown daily at the practice facility. Clips of Dirk Nowitzki hoisting the trophy and Jason Terry drilling big shots became background reminders of what the franchise once achieved.

Forward P.J. Washington said the approach set the right tone.

“Klay was the one that told everybody to play the 2011 championship run every day in the arena,” Washington said. “We come in every day and that’s our mindset.”

Thompson, who signed with Dallas last summer after 13 years with Golden State, said he remembers that run clearly.

“Any NBA fan my age remembers that team because they may not have been the most talented, but they embodied what a team should look like,” Thompson said. “I want to feel that again in a Mavericks uniform.”

The 35-year-old guard also worked to strengthen bonds before camp began. He hosted teammates at a retreat in Newport Beach, Calif., where the group scrimmaged, lifted weights and spent time together away from the court.

“It was just fun to go out there and be by the beach,” Thompson said. “We had an incredible facility. It was great to play pickup, get to know the rookies and set our goals for the season.”

Washington said the experience helped break down early barriers.

“Shout-out to Klay,” Washington said. “The hospitality was unbelievable. It was just straight basketball and weights for four or five days. It allowed me to break the ice a month earlier than usual.”

With Kyrie Irving sidelined indefinitely following knee surgery, Thompson’s voice carries extra weight in Dallas. He said he intends to provide guidance alongside Luka Dončić.

“I want to lead with my voice and by example,” Thompson said. “I want to show the younger players what championship commitment looks like. It’s a big task, but it’s worth it.”

Thompson also set one individual goal for the year: joining the league’s 50-40-90 club, the benchmark for shooting 50% from the field, 40% from 3-point range and 90% at the line.

“I would like to join the 50-40-90 club,” Thompson said. “That would be nice. Some might say that’s ambitious, but you need big goals if you want to be great.”

Thompson has cleared the 90% mark at the line in four straight seasons. He finished last year at 39.1% from beyond the arc and 41.2% overall.

Even before the first practice in Vancouver, Thompson had already left an imprint — connecting the Mavericks to their past while trying to shape their present.