Warriors should consider benching Klay Thompson for rising star

Five-time All-Star Klay Thompson is playing arguably the worst basketball of his career, and the Golden State Warriors, with a 10-11 record, are struggling to stay afloat in the competitive Western Conference. It may be time for a significant change. 

"Increasingly difficult decisions are on the horizon," The Athletic's Anthony Slater said. "[Moses] Moody, [Brandin] Poziemski and [Jonathan] Kuminga are playing themselves into more minutes and have a deserving claim with each passing performance, but the established veterans — some of whom are struggling — won't love giving them up." 

Thompson's average of 15.5 points per game this season is his lowest since his rookie season's 12.5. He is shooting an abysmal 39.7 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from three, both career lows. His defense is also just not what it once was before his two career-changing injuries. 

It's just not getting any better.

In Wednesday night's unconvincing 110-106 win over the depleted Portland Trail Blazers (6-14), Thompson scored 11 points on 3-of-13 from the field and 1-of-8 from downtown. 

At this point in his career, Thompson should not be a second option for a championship-contending team. 

Conversely, 21-year-old Moses Moody, in his third season, has been a positive all year long. Whenever he is on the court, good things happen to the Warriors. 

"[Moses is] making every hustle play," Warriors forward Draymond Green said. "He's knocking shots down. He's defending at a high level. He's competing at a high level. He's doing everything you'd ask from a third-year guy."

In only 19.2 minutes per game, Moody is averaging a career-high 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 stocks (steals and blocks), shooting 49.3 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from three. Per 36 minutes, his averages are 16.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists. 

Additionally, his defense is far superior to Thompson's at this stage. Moody's ability to stay in front of his man, draw charges and defend without fouling is undeniable. 

Last week, in Golden State's 124-123 heartbreaking loss to the Sacramento Kings, head coach Steve Kerr took Moody out in the fourth quarter for a struggling Thompson, despite Moody scoring 11 of the team's 12 points in that period. 

"We may have to think about moving the starting lineup around," Kerr said Wednesday night following the win against Portland. 

Why not Moody? He's the ideal guy to fit next to Stephen Curry and Green. It's time for a change.