Klay Thompson saw the writing on the wall ahead of his move away from the Golden State Warriors last offseason, having briefly been removed from the starting lineup for rookie guard Brandin Podziemski during his final months in the Bay Area.
Thompson's long-time spot as Stephen Curry's back court partner was under threat, undoubtedly playing a role in Golden State's unwillingness to pay him big money and his subsequent departure to the Dallas Mavericks.
But after starting in all 72 of his games with the Mavericks last season, the 5x All-Star could be on the brink of a similar nightmare as his starting role could again come under pressure.