The Golden State Warriors were without Klay Thompson all last season, but his rehab from a torn ACL is starting to trend upward.
It’s looking more and more like a full healthy Klay Thompson will take the court next season. The Warriors five-time All-Star, Thompson missed all of the 2019-2020 season after tearing his ACL in Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals.
The original plan back in October was for Stephen Curry to carry the roster while Thompson continued his rehab.
Thompson then was projected to return late in the spring as the team was gearing up for a playoff run. When Curry broke his hand in the fourth game of the season, that entire plan was erased and D’Angelo Russell was asked to lead the team.
Russell, who was eventually traded, helped lead the Warriors to where they are now for the bulk of the season. However, it’ll be back to the Curry-Thompson show in a few months.
For Thompson, things are looking on the brighter side as he continues getting back to full strength.
According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater (subscription required), Thompson is starting to ramp up his workouts and has been cleared by doctors on said left knee.
This is terrific news for the Warriors who recently signed him to a huge deal this past offseason. Thompson has been a cornerstone for this team after the past several years.
Shooting over 42% from the field and 40% from deep in each of his eight seasons in the league, Thompson has solidified himself as one of the best and most efficient players in basketball. Losing him theoretically meant the season was over for Golden State.
At the risk of losing the star, Golden State gave him a five-year max contract. Now regaining his strength after that collision with Danny Green, Thompson will look to be one of the best two guards in the league once again in 2021.