Mavericks' controversial Klay Thompson benching is a major blessing in disguise

Through eight games, the Dallas Mavericks' season couldn't have reached a lower point after losing 101-99 to the New Orleans Pelicans. Not only would the Mavericks continue to fail to find an identity on the offensive end of the ball, but after plenty of consideration, sharpshooter Klay Thompson was finally benched in place of D'Angelo Russell just moments before the opening tip-off.

To begin the season, Thompson has shot terribly from behind the 3-point line and the field, as he was shooting 31 percent from the field before playing the Pelicans. Not only was Thompson's abrupt cold streak coming at the worst time for the Mavericks, as they are in desperate need of a player who can space the floor, but only moments after being benched, Thompson would prove why he is still a valuable player in the NBA.

To open the half, Thompson would let it rain only seconds after being checked in, and while his time on the floor may not have resulted in a Mavericks win, his change in pace gave the Mavericks a different sign of life off the bench. It may not be what the former champion wants to hear, but it may be time for him to swallow his pride and allow the Mavericks to test the boundaries with their starting lineup while he remains a safe offensive option off the bench.

Thompson's early struggles just sparked a second wind off the bench

To begin the season, Thompson's name has been on the bad side of just about every Mavericks fan's list when it comes to players making a positive impact. While Thompson's green light has always been one where he needs to take a high volume of shots, seven games into the season, it was clear that Thompson was losing a step athletically and with his jumper.

It's unclear when the decision was fully made to have Thompson come off the bench, but it only took a few minutes before his shot looked like the jump shot of Thompson's past. From making fall-away jumpers to catching and shooting contested threes, Thompson's 3-6 shooting from deep allowed the Mavericks to have a chance at a game-winning shot with seconds left against the Pelicans.

As frustrating as it may be for a player of Thompson's experience and past to come off the bench, Jason Kidd and the Mavericks' coaching staff may have given him the best leash any player could have off the bench. It's no secret that the Mavericks are in a desperate search for offensive life off the bench. Having Thompson come into the game in a reserve role not only frees up defensive rotation for Kidd's starting lineup but also takes a lot of pressure off Thompson to succeed.

The Mavericks are still desperately searching for players who can positively impact the offensive side of the ball in any way, shape, or form, but Thompson coming off the bench may not be what's best for his mental game; however, it's already better for the Mavericks. This not only allows the Mavs to play a player like Max Christie or Naji Marshall more for defensive reasons, but it also gives Thompson plenty of time to get used to Dallas' reserve unit for the time being.

It's unclear if the Mavericks plan on sliding Thompson back into the starting five if he continues to play well off the bench, but through one game in a reserve role, Thompson has had more of an impact than his seven games played within the starting unit.