Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson hasn’t lost the touch

Already with the best record in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors are set to return star guard Klay Thompson in the near future. Thompson should add anything this team is missing, mainly just another high-level scorer.

Having not played in an NBA game since mid-2019, Thompson has both torn his ACL and Achilles with the first injury occurring following an attempted dunk on Danny Green in the 2019 NBA Finals. Thompson is set to return in the coming few games.

The Golden State Warriors are anticipating the return of five-time All-Star Klay Thompson, and he’s clearly not lost his touch from deep.

There is quite a bit to be made of what level Thompson will come back at.

Some are assuming his defense and athleticism will be taking at least a small hit. What we’re seeing from Kevin Durant this season is a reassuring sight that Thompson could get back to his pre-injury level.

Prior to that first injury, Thompson had averaged over 20 points per game in five straight seasons along with shooting over 40% from deep in each of his 8 seasons in the league. His shooting is the one thing clearly still with the star.

Here’s a video from NBCS of Thompson making 24 (!) straight threes.

Thompson’s strength prior to his injury was shooting.

It’s assumed that he’ll return as one of the best snipers in the league. The 6-foot-6 forward had averaged over 3 triples per game in five straight seasons. He was a major reason for the Warriors’ high-level success, making 5 straight NBA Finals.

Thompson was also one of the best 3-and-D players, and that could be the part of his game that’s most hurt. There just isn’t enough tape of him playing scrimmages or against NBA talent in which he’s defending.

We’ll see how well he can get back to that level. Players like Durant have been able to get back to their peak condition, but given every injury is different, Thompson’s athleticism and ability to move laterally will be something to keep an eye on.