Dubs in-depth: Klay Thompson is looking good on the court.
Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images
Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr gave an update on the shooting guard’s progress as he rehabs from knee surgery.
We won’t be seeing him back in an NBA game for at least a few months, but at least Klay Thompson’s recovery seems to be going well.
Golden State Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr joined The Athletic’s Hoops Adjacent and was asked for an update on Thompson:
“Klay’s doing great, he’s basically ready to go. It’s been a little over a year now since the injury. I saw him about two weeks ago. I went to Orange County, where he lives and works out. I basically took a day and spent some time with him and watched him workout. One of our assistant coaches came down for the week to train him. We got together, and it was great to see him because he loves the game so much, he loves to play and he’s missed it so much. He looked great. He was in really good shape and draining shots from everywhere like the Klay we know and love. He’s ready to go, it’s just we don’t know when basketball will be played, but Klay will be ready.
This is encouraging news considering the severity of Thompson’s injury. The 30-year-old has spent his entire nine-year career with the Dubs, averaging 19.5 points per game. Thompson’s shooting is All-World, as he hits 41.9% of his 3-point attempts, and he routinely takes on the toughest defensive assignment.
ACL injuries aren’t as devastating to an NBA player as they used to be. We have seen players like Kristaps Porzingis and Zach LaVine come back from the injury and perform at a high level. On the flip side, guys like Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker lost a step after tearing their ACLs.
The good news for Thompson is that his game isn’t based on playing above the rim, and making freak athletic plays. His fundamentals are excellent, and his shooting (as Kerr stated) shouldn’t take a hit as a result of the injury.
I do expect Klay to take some time to return to being an extremely high-level defender. His lateral movement may not be as good due to the injury, but we will only be able to determine that once we see him play an NBA game.
What are your expectations for Thompson next season?
On to some links:
When the legendary Jerry West talks, you listen. The former Dubs’ executive joined 95.7 The Game for an interview, and shared why Thompson is the perfect player to complement Steph Curry. (h/t NBC Bay Area)
The NBA world is anticipating the return of the championship contending Warriors next season. Patrick Murray of Forbes explains why the Dubs aren’t on their last legs just yet.
Andre Iguodala is beloved in the Bay Area for his contributions to three different championship teams. Iggy is now with the Miami Heat, and he opened up about the similarities between Curry and new teammate Jimmy Butler. (h/t NBC Bay Area)
With Golden State not being a part of the bubble in Orlando, players are focusing their attention elsewhere. Draymond Green shared his plans for the next few months while the Dubs are officially in their offseason. (Fansided)