Golden State Warriors: Newfound optimism for Klay Thompson

The Golden State Warriors should be finding new optimism for Klay Thompson to make a successful recovery from his Achilles injury.

It was heartbreaking to watch Klay Thompson fall with a torn ACL in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals. He was in the midst of an iconic performance, only to be sidelined for the entire upcoming season. It was even worse when we found out he ruptured his Achilles only weeks before making an official return to the Golden State Warriors.

The news was sobering. There is no precedent for a player suffering a torn ACL and ruptured Achilles in back-to-back seasons at age 30 and being an All-Star when he returns. Thompson would have to defy all odds to be an elite player once again.

However, many remained optimistic that the modern advancements in technology and medicine would allow Thompson to make a full recovery. And, if recent cases are anything to go off, Thompson should be just fine.

Two prolific players have returned to the NBA this year after long layoffs due to Achilles injuries. John Wall and Kevin Durant have both made full recoveries and seemingly haven’t missed a step. Wall still looks like he is being shot out of a canon whenever he attacks the rim. His acceleration is astonishing and there seems to be no bounce lost in his explosive leaps to the basket.

As for Durant, he is just as deadly as ever. He moves with a fluidity that we’ve never seen from a player his size. And, he seems to dunk every time he gets a chance – showing no fear of leaving his feet and playing above the rim.

The success of both Wall and Durant should lend optimism for the Warriors. With a healthy Thompson, another championship in the future feels all the more realistic.