The good news keeps on coming with Klay Thompson’s return.
TNT reporter Allie LaForce recently spoke to Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who said Thompson has started playing 5-on-5 scrimmages Monday. LaForce announced the news via Twitter shortly before the Warriors played the Brooklyn Nets in a marquee matchup.
This is another key milestone in Thompson’s recovery. The beloved shooting guard hasn’t played since Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals after injuring his ACL and Achilles in consecutive years.
Kerr discussed Thompson's improvement following Tuesday night's victory, saying the guard is scheduled to play again on Wednesday and is cleared for contact.
"I've got good reports," Kerr said. "He's got to keep going. A two-year absence requires a lot of work. Not just the rehab, the endurance, the strength. It's great that he's playing five-on-five, but it doesn't he's going to be ready to step on an NBA floor next week. But he's progressing really well."
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Kerr also said that second-year center James Wiseman (meniscus) hasn't been cleared yet for five-on-five scrimmages, but they're hoping he can soon.
"There's no structural issues or anything," Kerr said, "It's an injury that requires a lot of sort of give-and-take and daily maintenance, and kind of checking in on how he's doing. You remember last year, [Memphis Grizzlies forward] Jaren Jackson had the same injury. It's a long process. But he's doing really well and his attitude is great. We obviously can't wait until he's back and able to play. Just got to be patient."
The Warriors already look like one of the league’s top teams this season and adding one of the game’s coldest shooters would only make them more dangerous. Wiseman's addition to the center could also add a nice pick-and-roll lob threat who can be a rim protector and rebounder.
Crazy to think it’s been 887 days since Steph Curry and Thompson shared the backcourt as Splash Brothers, but Thompson’s return seems like it’s merely weeks away.
