The ways in which the Warriors have missed Klay Thompson on the court over the last two seasons have been quite obvious. Of course, his absence left a major void in the locker room, too.
And with Thompson expected to be healthy enough to finally retake the court again next season, coach Steve Kerr knows Golden State will be getting a gigantic pick-me-up.
"It'll light [the room] up, for one thing," Kerr said Tuesday on 95.7 The Game's "Damon, Ratto and Kolsky" show. "Everyone loves Klay. He's such a breath of fresh air, he's so much fun to be around. And then, the fact that when we walk into camp for the first time next year, it's all together with Klay, being on the court with the rest of the guys in training camp, that means everybody's spirits will be higher, including mine."
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The Warriors rightfully have been extremely patient and cautious with Thompson's recovery from a torn Achilles, which came on the heels of his recovery from a torn ACL. They can't wait for his return to the lineup, and Kerr knows what is awaiting Thompson, whenever that day finally comes.
"We don't know exactly how ready he's going to be to play on opening night," Kerr continued, "but we know he'll be on the court and working towards that point. And if it's not opening night, it won't be too far after. And that is such great news for Klay -- for us, obviously -- but for Klay, boy, it's been a rough couple of years.
"I literally think about the first game back at Chase [Center] for Klay Thompson, and the ovation that guy is gonna get. It's gonna be so emotional, for everybody. I can't wait for that night because nobody deserves that more than Klay."
Golden State Warriors
Neither can we, Steve. Neither can we.