Once the picture of effortless shooting and quiet dominance, Klay Thompson now looks like a player searching for a version of himself that no longer exists.

When the four-time champion signed with Dallas last year, the move was framed as a fresh start; a chance to prove he could still thrive outside Golden State's system.

Instead, it's becoming a harsh reminder that time catches up even to the game's purest shooters.

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So far this season, Thompson's minutes have dipped, his shot has flattened, and his rhythm has all but disappeared.

For the first time since his rookie year's first half, Thompson's scoring has dipped into single digits, coupled with his coldest three-point stretch in over a decade.

Worse, the Mavericks' offence often looks more fluid when he's off the floor.

It isn't just the numbers; it's the eye test.

Thompson's signature quick release is still there, but the separation isn't.

The once deadly off-ball movement feels laboured, and the confident catch and shoot trigger has given way to forced looks off one leg and contested mid-range attempts.

What used to be automatic now feels uncertain.

Dallas' lineup choices also haven't helped.

With rookie Cooper Flagg learning on the fly and Kyrie Irving sidelined, Thompson has been stranded in an offence that lacks the playmaking to free him.

He's used to rhythm passes from Steph Curry, not creating looks off the dribble.

It's a system built for youth and versatility, not for a 35-year-old guard trying to rediscover his footing.

Meanwhile, younger teammates like Max Christie are quietly earning more minutes with sharper defence and smarter shot selection.

Jason Kidd may soon face a tough reality as Thompson's reputation can't outweigh production.

Benching a legend is never easy, but Dallas can't afford sentiment when the Western Conference is this crowded.

There's still a glimmer of hope that Thompson can adapt.

With Irving's return, he might rediscover cleaner looks and the confidence that once defined him. Yet the version of Klay that torched opponents for 60 points on 11 dribbles feels like a distant highlight.

If this really is the final act of his career, it's not ending with fireworks but with a slow fade into the background.

The Mavs took a gamble on nostalgia; now they're paying the price.