NBA: After Two Years Out, Klay Thompson Is Back.

After two consecutive seasons out with ACL and Achilles tears, Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson returns on Sunday. He announced his return on his Instagram. Sunday will mark 941 days since he last played in an NBA game.

Thompson suffered a torn left ACL in game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. He recovered to full strength while missing the 2019-20 season. Unfortunately, he once again suffered another gruesome injury, this time a torn Achilles’ tendon in November 2020. This injury sidelined him for the entire 2020-21 season. Now, after a rehab process headed by the director of sports medicine and performance Rick Celebrini, the five-time All-Star is ready to make his return.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr confirmed Sunday that Thompson will start in his season debut.

“When you can score 60 points in 29 minutes, generally your coach should start you,”
Warriors Coach, Steve Kerr

He previously said he expects Thompson to play 15 to 20 minutes in his return. Klay rejoins a Golden State team that are currently flying in the league. One game back from the Phoenix Suns and poised to be contenders this year.

EXPECTATIONS

Klay will be expected to hit 3s on his return. His presence is about to inject life into the team, even if it’s only for 18 minutes to start. Eventually, the hope is that he can be a reliable 3-and-D starter in high-pressure moments like the postseason. Klay is one of the game’s most lethal shooters and he will be expected to bring that range.

As far as rotations, Gary Payton II will likely move to the bench. Jordan Poole will lose some minutes to create room for Klay’s game time. The Warriors are a deep team and this certainly impacts several guys who have performed well. On the flip side, Klay is expected to play no more than 25 minutes a night until the postseason and he will have some nights off.