What Klay Thompson’s return means for the Golden State Warriors

PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 04: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors looks on before the preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 04, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 04: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors looks on before the preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 04, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 25: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Klay Thompson #11 after he made a three-point basket in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center on January 25, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson has not been able to play in any NBA games since 2019 because he suffered from two serious leg injuries. After a long recovery, he is expected to be back on the court soon, maybe even this upcoming weekend.

The guard seems well-prepared for his return, based on a video of him making twenty-four straight three-pointers that went viral on social media. It does not only prove that Thompson is ready to get back into the NBA, but it also reminded everyone that he is one of the best shooters in the league.

With Klay Thompson’s return on the horizon, how will the Golden State Warriors be affected by the change?

Due to their shooting abilities, Thompson and teammate Stephen Curry earned themselves the nickname “the Splash Brothers” very early on in their careers. But with Thompson’s long absence, the video was a welcomed reminder of what he is capable of, and what he will be bringing back with his return.

Thompson has always been an impressive catch-and-shoot player with strong off-ball movement, but he is still recovering from two leg injuries, and it will be interesting to see how well he will perform in high-speed game situations.

This question arises especially in terms of his defensive performance. Thompson was a well-known wing defender before his injuries and has always been responsible for guarding young, fast-paced players such as Devin Booker or Donovan Mitchell. Now, everyone is curious to see how Thompson will do upon his return, since his injuries might affect how quick he is on his feet.