Injuries have rattled the Golden State Warriors’ 2019-20 season into the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Golden State’s season turned from a chance at the playoffs to focusing on developing youth after a myriad of damage up and down the roster.
A significant reason for the Warriors’ struggles has been the ailments to both Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. However, recently there have been positive updates regarding the pair of backcourt All-Stars.
Curry recently traveled with the Warriors on the road for the first time since breaking his hand in late October against the Phoenix Suns. On top of road tripping, the two-time Most Valuable Player has been shooting without a brace or wrap on his shooting hand.
In regards to the other half of the Splash Brother duo, it’s been over six months since Thompson tore his ACL in the 2019 NBA Finals. While the Warriors still plan to evaluate Thompson’s knee during the All-Star break, Steve Kerr is happy to see Thompson back shooting again.
I’m watching Klay out on the floor shooting a lot of shots — he’s got that beautiful stroke, and he’s just out there smiling and laughing and shooting jumpers — more than anything it just feels good to see him out there and for him to feel like he’s actually closer.
Before the Warriors tipped off against the Dallas Mavericks, Kerr told reporters Thompson is still far away from returning, but he’s progressing through his rehab at a good pace.
Even though he’s still aways from being out on the floor, he’s so far along now, compared to when this first started — he’s pretty far down the path and I think he’s starting to feel that — the routine is changing now that he’s on the court a lot more.
Klay Thompson is now past the six-month mark since his ACL surgery. Here’s a Steve Kerr soundbite on Klay’s rehab progress: “He’s pretty far down the path. He’s starting to to feel that. The routine is changing. He’s out on the floor more.” pic.twitter.com/XVpcnq0mds
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 15, 2020
With the Warriors looking more in line for the top pick in June’s NBA Draft rather than a playoff spot, expect the team to be extremely patient when it comes to Thompson’s knee. This season, Thompson can have a more significant impact along the sidelines working with the Warriors’ young rotation instead of rushing a comeback to the court.