Golden State Warriors: Knee specialist says Klay Thompson should sit two years

The Golden State Warriors expect Klay Thompson to be back shortly after the All-Star break, but one top specialist says he shouldn’t return for two years.

Two years. That’d be a drastic disappointment for the Golden State Warrior fanbase. However, that time is likely about minimizing the chance to reinjury himself rather than the actual likelihood that he’s not capable of playing.

As we saw with DeMarcus Cousins, injuries can stockpile if you don’t give them proper team to heal. Whether it was a torn Achilles or ACL, Cousins will end up missing the bulk of this past season and this upcoming season.

Let’s hope Thompson isn’t on the same route after tearing his ACL going up for a dunk on Raptors’ guard Danny Green in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. The Warriors, after being up prior to Klay’s departure, lost the game, although Klay put up 30 points in three quarters.

That said, while many expect his return months into the new seasons. According to NBC Sports’ Alec Didion, that top specialist is Dr. Tim Hewett.

“Dr. Tim Hewett, who consulted the Mayo Clinic and has studied the biomechanics of the knee for years, published a study that concluded athletes who tear their ACL should not return to action for two years.”

It’s Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney who actually spoke with Hewett about Thompson’s injury and the risk that he may be taking by not waiting 24 months to return.

"“Please do share that with Klay,” Dr. Hewett, who has consulted with NBA trainers in the past, told Heavy.com. “This is not my opinion. People say to me, ‘Well, that is your opinion, there are other opinions.’ No, I deal in science and I deal in fact. People don’t like to hear it but it does not change the facts, and that facts are that you’re at risk for re-injury before two years and you won’t be the same player in the first year.”"

This would be devasting for the Warriors. After five straight Finals appearances, the Warriors’ league-changing streak would likely come to an end. Thompson does too much for this team that’d be almost impossible to produce a similar product.

20-plus points for five straight years and over 40% from three every year he’s been in the league is just a few of Thompson’s accomplishments. Add on three championship rings and five All-Star appears and it becomes more clear how impactful he was on this team.

Thompson’s absence, although the Warriors did complete a sign-and-trade for D’Angelo Russell, will be joined by Kevin Durant‘s departure as two moves that’ll highly hurt the Warriors to open the new season.

That said, for now, expect Thompson to return at some point next season.