After Thompson tore his ACL during game six of the 2018/19 NBA Playoffs in June, taking time off came as no surprise, but Kerr has even dismissed reports that the 29-year-old could be back after the 2020 Allstar break. 

This more pragmatic approach to Thompson's recovery could see the star sitting out the entire season. Although Kerr had previously 'left the door open' for a return, he recently confirmed: "It's unlikely that (Klay's) going to play this year... we have to understand that."

Derrick Rose, Jabari Parker and Zach LaVine all took close to a year to recover fully from the same injury. However, holding Thompson out for the season may be beneficial for both himself and Golden State as the recovery process could see him slightly weaker. 

But, how do the Warriors look without their shooter? There is no doubt that starters Stephen Curry and D'Angelo Russel will hold down the court in Thompson's absence but behind them, younger guards, Jordan Poole and Jacob Evans, will be expected to step up and fill the gap.

After years in the spotlight as one of the NBA's strongest teams and a steady fan-favourite, the future of Golden State has been shaken over recent months with the departure of Kevin Durant, whose status is also questionable with the Brooklyn Nets after suffering an Achilles injury during last season's finals.

The longest absence of Thompson's career could alter predictions for the team's placement in the odds to win the Western Conference.