Klay Thompson has reached the next phase of his return.
The Warriors star guard has been training without restriction on his knee and has been ramping up workouts over the past few weeks, The Athletic's Anthony Slater reported Friday, citing sources.
Per Slater, Thompson's knee was medically cleared a few weeks ago and he has been running, jumping, dunking and doing everything he's permitted to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He's been going through his diligent shooting workouts but has yet to return to the Warriors' San Francisco facility since it reopened. Thompson instead has been working out in Los Angeles and in Oakland.
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As of right now, players only are allowed to work out on one hoop with one coach and that coach must wear gloves. There are no three-on-three or five-on-five scrimmages allowed.
While Thompson's knee has been cleared, he now must take the time to build the rest of his body back up to NBA standards. With the 2020-21 NBA season expected to get going sometime in December, Thompson should have ample to time to get back into game shape.
Thompson was playing arguably the best basketball of his career when he tore his left ACL during Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals. While the injury robbed Thompson of a year of his prime, his recovery, along with Steph Curry's broken hand -- allowed the Warriors a year to rest and reset their dynasty after five straight trips to the NBA Finals.
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Golden State Warriors
By the time Thompson returns, it will be at least 17 months since he last suited up. That's a long pause for someone at the peak of their powers, but the Warriors guard is determined to help the Dubs recapture their greatness.
Thompson, Curry and the rest of the Warriors have spent a year listening to people throw dirt on their grave, claiming their run as the NBA's goliath was over.
Thompson is determined to prove all of the detractors wrong. He's reached the next phase of his rehab, and with it, the Warriors can turn their full attention to the future and their quest to return to the top of the NBA.
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