The NBA world knew it would take time for Klay Thompson to be Klay Thompson again. 

After a two-and-a-half-year absence from the court, the Warriors sharpshooter is working on getting back to his pre-2019 ways. 

But since his return, his comeback has felt forced in an attempt to unlock the authentic Klay. 

"I just think it’s time," coach Steve Kerr said on 95.7 The Game’s “Damon and Ratto.” "And as he gets more comfortable, he will be reminded that even when he was on top of his game a few years ago, that there were still plenty of bad nights. I remember that one season when he was like 3-for-34 to start the year, he was a mess.

"Struggles are all part of the game. Steph had his a few weeks ago, [Wiggins] is going through his right now. Klay’s going through one. But I think when you’re out for two and a half years, to remember that there were moments like that a few years ago too. And that’s all part of being an athlete at this level, there’s a lot of ups and downs and you have to navigate them. If you get too stressed out about something, it’s really hard to get through the long season." 

Over his last four games, Thompson is averaging 34 percent shooting from the field and 23 percent from 3-point range. 

The Warriors know they need their Splash Bro in full Klay mode down this final stretch of the regular season and especially for playoffs.

I mean, he’s only played in 21 games so far after missing 941 days from the NBA. But what’s important will be the next 15 games, and hopefully vintage Klay will make an appearance. 

"I just think Klay wants it all back at once because it's been two-and-a-half years of hell,” Kerr said. “Who can blame him for wanting it back quickly? But it's just not the way it works. He's just got to be patient and keep playing and it's going to come."