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After 5-on-5 work, Klay Thompson draws good reports.
Klay Thompson participated in 5-on-5 work this week and Steve Kerr says he's been getting good reports on his rehabilitation. (1:45)
12:14 AM
Klay Thompson has been cleared for full contact as he continues his rehabilitation from a torn Achilles.
Thompson, who stayed behind on the Warriors' four-game East Coast swing with several members of the Warriors' support staff, has started doing some 5-on-5 work as part of his recovery.
Steve Kerr said after Tuesday's win over the Brooklyn Nets that he thinks he's going to play 5-on-5 on Wednesday. James did not play. Klay was cleared for 5-on-5, but he hasn't been cleared yet, but I got good reports and he's got to keep going. A two-year absence requires a lot of work. It's great that he's playing 5-on-5, but it doesn't mean he's going to be ready to play in an NBA game next week.
The Warriors organization has always believed that Thompson would return around Christmas, and now that he is ramping up the rehabilitation process, that hope seems to be getting closer to reality.
Warriors forward Draymond Green said that Thompson's return is huge. It's huge from a mental standpoint. It helps with the way other teams view you. We are looking forward to getting him back. We know what he brings to the table. He's worked his ass off, but we're not expecting him to be Klay Thompson of the year. I'm looking forward to getting him back out there after he worked his ass off for this moment.
Thompson has been working out in the Warriors' practice facility in recent months while giving his teammates and coaches a lift with his presence. Green said the group is waiting for him to come back.
Stephen Curry said that he hadn't spoken to Thompson since the start of the road trip. I've seen him work out and he looks good. I'm glad to hear that he's continuing to make progress, because I knew there was a reason he stayed back.
Kerr said that second-year center James Wiseman is getting closer to a return as well, and that the good news on the floor for the 12-2 Warriors is also there. He hasn't been cleared for contact since he tore his knee in April. Kerr thinks he will be soon.
"I hope so," Kerr said. There's no structural issues or anything related to the injury that he suffered. It's an injury that requires a lot of give and take and daily maintenance and kind of checking in on how he's doing. Last year, Jaren Jackson had an injury. It's a long process, but he's doing well, his attitude is great, and we can't wait until he's back and able to play. We have to be patient.
