Golden State Warriors: 4 Things to hope for with Kevin Durant gone

By Tony Pesta | Jul 1, 2019

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 8: Klay Thompson #11 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors look on in Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on June 8, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3 of 5

(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

3. Klay Thompson returns early

As we all know, an ACL injury isn’t a great one for an NBA player to suffer. This injury has taken some of the league’s brightest stars, with Klay Thompson being the most recent one. His recovery will be a big story all season long and the Warriors will be counting on him to return at full strength.

Without Thompson, the Dubs have just Stephen Curry and Draymond Green to hold down the fort. With a far less talented bench than in previous years, the Dubs will have a tough time replacing Thompson’s production.

Because of this, the Warriors will need Klay too speed through his recovery. While he can’t take any short cuts, he will have to work hard to get his body back in shape quickly. The Warriors can’t afford to go an entire season without him and will absolutely need Klay if a deep playoff run is the books.

The best case scenario for Klay is he returns to the court towards the end of the regular season. This gives him time to brush the rust off of himself and prepare for the playoffs. Hopefully, we see Klay back before it’s too late.

Home/Warriors Free Agency