Klay Thompson estimated he’s around 75 or 80 percent recovered from the torn right Achilles that ended the 2020-21 season for the Golden State Warriors sharpshooter before it began.
Less than a year removed from the injury he suffered in an individual workout Nov. 18, 2020, Thompson took part in all aspects of the team’s practice on Tuesday, head coach Steve Kerr said.
The practice and most of the 5-on-5 work was limited as Thompson eases his way back into the mix. He will not be available to play in games when the regular season begins next month.
“Klay looked great,” Kerr said. “Shooting the lights out. His team won the daily shooting competition. And he was smiling, laughing, joking around, it was really fun to see the old Klay back.”
Kevin Durant was still a member of the Warriors the last time Golden State had Thompson on the court for a game — in the 2019 NBA Finals that June. Thompson tore the ACL in his left knee in Game 6 of the Finals.
Thompson said he’s been focused on strength and mobility and estimates he is a few months from contributing in a game.
General manager Bob Myers said the Warriors are hopeful Thompson is ready to go in December or January, but the decision will be in his hands in consultation with the medical staff.
Regardless, Kerr said he’s already giving the Warriors a jolt.
“A big part of it too is, ‘Yeah, we got Klay.’ The confidence level as a group — we’re getting Klay back. It makes us all feel better. And that’s the sense that I have from our guys,” Kerr said.
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–Field Level Media