3 Golden State Warriors most impacted by a Klay Thompson return

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 07: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates against the Toronto Raptors in the first 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 07: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates against the Toronto Raptors in the first 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors player impacted by Thompson’s return: Damion Lee

Damion Lee currently serves as the Warriors’ backup shooting guard. He’s having a career year with Golden State and has certainly deserved the minutes that he’s been given.

However, Thompson’s return will either force him to be the team’s third-string shooting guard or make small-ball lineups the Dubs’ regular lineup. With James Wiseman set to return and start in the near future, the former is more likely than the likely.

Lee is averaging 8.9 points per game and is shooting 44% from the field.

He’s hitting 35% of his threes and shooting over 90% from the free-throw line. He’s a liability defensively, but his offense, especially on the second unit, has been highly useful. Lee will be looking at reduced minutes when he returns. H

e’s at 21 minutes per game on the season and will likely see a decline but to what level is unknown. This will be a developing story, but I’d still expect to see Lee for about a quarter per game even Thompson forces him a level lower in the rotation.