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

By Elaine Blum

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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Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 13: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the first half against the Toronto Raptors during Game Six of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2019 in Oakland, 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) /

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

Since 2011, Klay Thompson won three NBA championships with the Warriors and is a five-time All-Star. Nevertheless, he was left off the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, which will probably give him some additional motivation and bite upon his return to the league.

In his last active season in 2018-19, Thompson averaged 21.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. These are very similar numbers to his career average, showing his overall level of consistency.

With Curry, Green, and Thompson on the court together, the Warriors outscored other teams by boatloads in the past. While they might not go back to quite the same level, the reunion will still pose a challenge for any and all challengers.

Knowing this, Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr already told reporters that he will include Thompson in the starting lineup as soon as he returns, instead of playing him off the bench, as is the custom for players returning from injuries.

This will affect other players’ playing times, but it will also give the team some additional power off the bench. Jordan Poole will most probably have to give up his starting spot.

No matter how the long-awaited return will go, however, fans and teammates will be glad to welcome a healthy Klay Thompson back on the court.

Next. Curry makes NBA history, sets record as three-point champion. dark

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