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What Klay Thompson’s post-Christmas return means for Golden State Warriors

By Tony Pesta

TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 02: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors warms up before Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 02: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors warms up before Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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For all those hoping to see Klay Thompson return to the Golden State Warriors by Christmas Day, you are going to have to wait just a little bit longer.

Klay Thompson will not be making his grand return to the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. What does this mean for the team?

Multiple reports confirmed that Thompson is still a few steps away from making his climatic debut for the Dubs. He is ramping up his conditioning, which could take until Dec. 28 at the earliest, according to Anthony Slater.

How much longer should Dubs wait?

At this earliest estimate, the Warriors would have to play a minimum of five more games without Klay — pushing the total number of games missed to 170 for the Splash Brother.

Over 900 days without Klay is rough but it isn’t all bad for the Dubs. Golden State still leads the NBA in wins and can build on that heading into the New Year. Even if Thompson does not return before 2022, the Warriors will hold one of the best records in the league.

How badly do the Warriors need Klay?

The short answer is, badly. 

The long answer, unsurprisingly, is a bit more nuanced.

Do the Warriors need Thompson in order to finish as one of the top seeds? No. As we can see, they are doing just fine without him.

Will the Warriors need Thompson for any chance of winning a title? Absolutely.

Thompson’s value as a 3-and-D threat can not be replaced. Without the Splash Brothers, the Warriors are missing that needed punch to make them a real threat at competing for a championship.

Klay will put them over the top

Once Thompson returns, whenever that may be, the Warriors will sit firmly at the top of the NBA food chain.

Assuming the Dubs ease Thompson back into the lineup, Golden State should find themselves hitting their stride after the All-Star break. Perfect timing for a run at the title.

Even if Thompson takes until mid-January to actually debut for the Dubs, there is ample time for him to brush off the dust and get fired up again before the playoffs begin in April.

In summation, the Warriors might have to wait a bit longer for Klay to suit up. And, they’ll have to be patient with him as he finds his footing again. There are more than enough games left for the Warriors to figure this all out before the postseason.

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