Jeff Chiu/Associated Press
Klay Thompson, the star of the Golden State Warriors, is expected to return to action in time for his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury.
Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reports that the Warriors hope to have Thompson's 2021-22 season debut against the Phoenix Suns on Christmas Day.
Shelburne stated that he is doing well with his recovery and that the Warriors will be playing the Suns in the Christmas Day game. He could be back sooner than that, but they are aiming for that Christmas Day match against the Suns to get his conditioning in order. Although it sounds late, he was hurt on Nov. 18 so this is only 13 months away from an Achilles injury.
The 31-year old was known for his durability, which was an asset prior to the 2019 NBA Finals. He missed 25 regular season games during his eight first seasons.
In June 2019, the five-time All-Star sustained a torn ACL in a match against the Toronto Raptors. This left him out of the 2019-20 season. He tore his right Achilles tendon as he was getting ready to return to court in November 2020. He was expected to miss another season, according to the Warriors.
Golden State quickly acquired Kelly Oubre Jr. in order to replace Thompson. However, some began to write eulogies to the franchise's dynastic run because of the importance of Thompson's injury.
Thompson's return to the NBA for Christmas would be his 30th anniversary of last playing in an NBA game. To return to the elite status of the Western Conference, the Warriors hope that Thompson will be playing alongside Stephen Curry and DraymondGreen.
Shooters age gracefully and the Los Angeles native did not rely on his athleticism to become one the NBA's greatest two-way guards. An Achilles tear and an ACL tear caused obvious questions about his future as a player.
For the Warriors to maximize their championship window, it will be crucial that Thompson performs well in the upcoming season.
