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Golden State Warriors fanbase should temper expectations until Klay returns

By Nathan Beighle

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 07: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Four of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. 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. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 07: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Four of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. 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. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Klay Thompson is coming off two season-ending injuries.

When he struggles to find his footing upon his return to the court, one that’s projected to happen around Christmas time, fans shouldn’t be shocked. Tempering expectations for the Warriors’ five-time All-Star guard is a must.

The Golden State Warriors will be returning Klay Thompson sometime around Christmas, but they shouldn’t expect him to immediately be at an All-Star level.

Thompson is a star, and he’s a player that the Warriors fanbase is going to love seeing back on the court. Instantly projecting Game 6 Klay to be back just isn’t smart; however, he’ll likely still be a terrific three-point shooter which is something that likely won’t just go away.

As I’m sure you likely remember if you’re reading this, Thompson tore his ACL back in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, result in a pitiful 15-win campaign the following season. That was okay.

The 2019-2020, especially with the impact Covid-19 had, was always going to feel like a weird season. However, the saddest part came when he tore his Achilles leading up to the 2020-2021 season.

Thompson went down with a second season-ending injury and won’t be ready for the start of the season as, just ask Kevin Durant, the ruptures Achilles isn’t an easy injury to return from.

It’s still not known at what level Thompson will return at. Obviously, the staff isn’t going to rush him back. For starters, there would be no need to as the Warriors will still have several months left in the season.

With that in mind, Thompson may not be the same athlete after both injuries. One saving grace is that Durant has looked good and just as versatile since his injury.

Thompson hopefully can get back to the player he once was, but getting to that level after returning may not be a quick process. Fans were used to seeing Thompson splash three triples per game and put up more than 20 points each outing.

While that Thompson should get a chance to shine, there’s no denying that at least at the beginning fans should be cognizant of the position he’s in and how much he’s had to put in to get to said position.

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That said, for now, be excited that the season is drawing near but have that understanding that it may take time to get this team to its full potential.

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