The Golden State Warriors are, if everything goes smoothly, going to be returning five-time All-Star this season, and there’s no doubt he’ll still be an incredibly impactful player even if his athleticism isn’t quite there.
While we don’t know how athletic Thompson will come back at, having two season-ending lower-body injuries is always brutal for a player to battle through. The rehab process has undoubtedly been difficult for Killa Klay.
The Golden State Warriors should have Klay Thompson back in late December, and JaVale McGee has big expectations for the star shooting guard.
Thompson is one of the best shooters in NBA history.
There’s no denying that will make the process of getting back on the court easier. But, again, we just don’t know at what level he’ll return at. However, his shooting is what’s been the most important success factor for his career.
With his return in the coming months, many are ready to see what he’s capable of. Thompson averaged over 20 points per game for the five seasons prior to his ACL injury in the 2019 NBA Finals.
Former teammate JaVale McGee expects nothing to change for the star. McGee and Thompson were teammates during the center’s stint in the Bay Area, a two-season timeframe from 2016-2018.
“I expect the old Klay. I can maybe see him slacking on defense in the first month because in the offseason you don’t get those reps. But offensively, he didn’t hurt his arm, so that boy is going to shoot,” McGee said to Shannon Sharpe on his podcast, Club Shay Shay.
He’s absolutely right as well.
Thompson not being at the same level defensively to return would make sense. But, McGee is correct. He didn’t hurt his arm. Once he gets some reps in, there’s no reason to think he can’t shoot 40 percent from deep again.
Thompson is a star, and he’s among a select group that’s never averaged under 40 percent three-point shooting in a season. That shouldn’t be impacted as the form and muscle memory should come back with no problem.
Thompson is expected to return around Christmas time, but it wouldn’t be shocking if he’s forced to push that back and return in 2022. The Warriors should use an abundance of cation given his two lower-body injuries.
Regardless, as long as he’s on track to return prior to the playoffs, fans shouldn’t be complaining.
With his old starting shooting guard spot waiting for him upon his return, both the Warriors and their diehard fanbase are eager to watch him get back on the court.