The Golden State Warriors struck gold after drafting Klay Thompson with the 11th pick in 2011. Since then, Thompson has been a durable and instrumental cog in helping the Warriors win three championships in five years.
The big picture: After missing the entirety of the 2019-20 NBA season, what can the Warriors expect from Thompson when he returns on the court?
Throughout his career, Thompson never really had to rely on his dribbling and driving ability. Because he was such a great shooter, he’s typically outside the three-point line. With a healthy Stephen Curry and a more-aggressive Andrew Wiggins attacking the basket, that will free up space for Thompson.
As Curry probes the paint and Wiggins attacks the rim, at some point the defense will relax. That leaves open catch-and-shoot opportunities for Thompson. Those types of shots are in his wheelhouse as during the 2018-2019 season:
Although Thompson has the ability to drive to the basket, his best chance of success is by shooting the ball. He’s shown the ability to score 60 points on 11 dribbles so he could very well do that again in 2021 with the chances that he’ll get.
Prior to his ACL injury in the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors, Thompson was extremely durable. In his eight seasons, Thompson has never played fewer than 70 games, with the lone exception being the 2012 lockout-shortened season – which saw Thompson playing all 66 games.
It wouldn’t be outside the realm of possibility to see Thompson come off the bench for the first few months of the 2021 NBA season. If Warriors head coach Steve Kerr goes this route, expect Thompson to:
Considering how Thompson will have missed almost 18 months by the time the 2021 NBA season begins on Dec. 1, it’s best to ease him into game shape. No doubt the first first weeks will be rough, but coming off the bench will help him properly adjust.
Perhaps the most-pressing question concerning Thompson is how his ACL injury will affect him.
ACL injuries are one of the hardest injuries to come back from, especially for basketball players. That said, ACL injuries are one of the most common basketball injuries. It’s mainly because the moves a player does is conducive to those types of injuries.
Nevertheless, here‘s a list of players in recent years who were able to bounce back after tearing their ACL:
Meanwhile, some players haven’t been as lucky:
Considering Thompson’s style of play, it’s easier to see him bouncing back. In any case, Thompson should be alright with the Warriors.
Since Thompson is missing a year-and-a-half of basketball, the Warriors can focus on developing Damion Lee, Ky Bowman and Jordan Poole. Although they aren’t the most heralded trio, Lee, Bowman and Poole can hold their own while Thompson recuperates.
With a bevy of unrestricted free agent shooting guards, the Warriors could also sign veterans Kent Bazemore or Courtney Lee. Regardless of which direction they choose, Thompson should come off the bench in 2021.
If all goes well, Thompson could win Sixth Man of the Year and help the Warriors reach another playoff berth.