2 min read • December 18, 2021
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The Warriors and star guard Klay Thompson have set a target date for his return as Jan. 9 or Jan. 18 in San Francisco, according to a new report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Thompson, who has not played for Golden State since tearing his left ACL in the NBA Finals 918 days ago, has been methodically ramping up his scrimmaging and practice involvement in recent months to prepare for his return. In addition to the left knee injury on June 13, 2019, he ruptured his right Achilles tendon in Nov. 2020 as he was preparing for the condensed 2020-21 season.
The mid-January date is in line with the analysis from our Pro Basketball Docs, who believe that the slow-drip Achilles recovery and return to game shape is better done with tortoise-like intent. More time to re-acclimate to NBA speed and intensity will ultimately mean a cleaner and more successful return for Thompson. The 30-year-old should be able to contribute immediately on offense, albeit in limited minutes, but will take time to regain his lateral defensive mobility.
The Warriors play the Cavaliers on Jan. 9 and the Pistons on Jan. 18. A Jan. 9 return would give Thompson 43 games left this season, and the Jan. 18 contest is the beginning of a 7-game home stand.
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