Klay Thompson, one of the NBA’s most celebrated shooters, is struggling early in the season, and the frustration is starting to show. The Golden State Warriors’ star, known for his shooting prowess and consistency, has faced a tough start to the 2025-2026 campaign. His struggles have led to an interesting development in the Warriors’ rotation, with head coach Jason Kidd deciding to bench Thompson for a game, prompting an ongoing conversation about what’s behind the slow start.

Kidd’s decision to bench Thompson was a calculated one, made after a series of subpar performances from the veteran shooting guard. Speaking to reporters after the game, Kidd explained that the move was not permanent but was intended to give the team a spark. “I talked to Klay and told him this isn’t a permanent thing, but we need him to come off the bench for now,” Kidd said. “He was good with it, and I thought he came off the bench and gave us a spark. The first one was tight for whatever reason, but we battled back and got ourselves into position.”

Thompson himself admitted that he’s been struggling with his performance, especially early in the season. He noted that he’s been trying to find his rhythm and is starting to feel like his old self again. “I’ve been struggling these first few games, but big things are coming. I’m starting to feel good, getting back into my flow,” he said. Despite the early season challenges, Thompson remains optimistic that he’ll find his stride.

However, there’s been another narrative surrounding Thompson’s early-season struggles, one that goes beyond his performance on the court. The focus on his personal life has grown, particularly since he began dating rapper Megan Thee Stallion. While many fans have focused on Thompson’s basketball skills, some have begun to question if his off-court relationship has had any impact on his on-court play. The attention around his relationship has grown as Megan Thee Stallion frequently posts about their time together, and Thompson has occasionally shared glimpses of his personal life.

A recent incident, where Thompson was late picking up Megan Thee Stallion from the airport, sparked a wave of media attention. Thompson was seen apologizing to her with a bouquet of flowers, acknowledging his tardiness in a public gesture that some fans have interpreted as a reflection of his changing priorities. “Roses for my boo. I’m sorry I was late, babe. Damn it, I thought I timed it well. Ah, just there’s no excuse,” he said in a video that quickly circulated online.

While Thompson’s personal life may seem like a harmless aspect of his career, it has led some to question whether the increased media exposure and public scrutiny have affected his focus. Thompson has always been a relatively private person, with his social media presence typically limited to showcasing his basketball achievements and personal trips. However, since his relationship with Megan Thee Stallion began to attract more attention, Thompson has found himself in the public eye more than ever, with many questioning whether this has affected his ability to perform on the court.

There’s a distinct contrast between the old Thompson and the one we see now. Before his relationship with Megan, Thompson was often seen as one of the most low-key, reserved superstars in the league. His social media activity was minimal, and he rarely engaged in public displays of affection or shared much about his personal life. Now, as his relationship becomes a topic of constant conversation, some fans and commentators have wondered if this newfound spotlight has contributed to his early struggles.

Despite the growing chatter, it’s important to remember that Klay Thompson is still a proven elite player. His struggles this season could very well be attributed to natural factors like age, injury recovery, or simply a rough patch that many athletes experience. After all, Thompson is not only returning from a long injury layoff but also playing on a team that has undergone changes, including the departure of some key pieces from their championship rosters. With the Warriors still adapting to their new roster dynamics, Thompson’s struggles could simply be part of a larger team transition.

From a basketball perspective, it’s also important to remember that Thompson is now in the later stages of his career. As a seasoned player with multiple championships under his belt, Thompson is no longer in the phase of his career where he can just coast on athleticism and raw talent. He’s been one of the league’s most dangerous shooters for years, but at 35 years old, there are factors that naturally affect his performance. As a player who has logged a lot of miles, the season’s early struggles could be a result of his body adjusting and getting back into game shape.

If you’re a Mavs fan or any fan watching Thompson’s struggles unfold, it’s easy to see the potential for a turnaround. As many analysts have suggested, give Thompson another 10 games or so to find his rhythm. There’s no denying his talent, and if he can get back to playing like his old self, the Warriors will once again have one of the most potent offensive weapons at their disposal. Thompson’s experience and leadership will be invaluable as the team looks to make another deep playoff run.

Yet, for the Warriors, the clock is ticking. They need Thompson to regain his confidence and his shooting touch if they want to be competitive in the tough Western Confe/nce. The Mavs and other teams in the West are hungry, and as the Warriors’ window for another championship narrows, they will need all hands on deck. That includes Thompson, who, despite his struggles, still holds the potential to be a game-changer for the team.

In the coming weeks, the question remains whether Thompson can rediscover his rhythm or if the pressure of his personal life and the public spotlight will continue to impact his performance. The Warriors have a solid roster, but they need their key players at their best to compete for another title. For Thompson, it’s a matter of time—time to adjust, time to find his old self, and time to prove that he still has what it takes to be a cornerstone of one of the most successful franchises in recent NBA history.

As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Thompson responds to the challenges he’s facing, both on and off the court. The Warriors’ hopes rest on his ability to rise to the occasion, and his journey through these struggles will certainly be one to watch closely.