(San Francisco) Klay Thompson has returned to practice five-on-five, a key milestone for the Golden State Warriors star.
Thompson is recovering from an operation undergone in November 2020 for a torn right Achilles tendon.
This, after a lost season following a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament of the left knee.
“I’m so thankful to play basketball again,” said Thompson after practicing at full speed on Tuesday.
“I feel like myself. I feel good. I succeed in my shots, I play very well in defense.
“The hardest part is to simulate the conditioning that allows you to be excellent in the NBA. It’s difficult and it takes a long time. ”
Coach Steve Kerr said we’ll have a better idea in a few weeks of when Thompson could play again.
Stephen Curry’s “Splash Brother” is hoping it will be in the first leg of the season.
Thompson also admits that his playing time will be reduced initially.
“He’s in a great state of mind,” Kerr said. He hasn’t played for two and a half years.
“The Achilles tendon is structurally strong, everything is strong, but it has to rebuild strength and endurance. ”
Thompson plays in four-minute bursts and will increase that volume to five minutes, then to six and seven over the next several weeks.
The 31-year-old did not play at all in the 2019-20 season: he was recovering from knee surgery in July 2019 after injuring himself in the decisive sixth match of the final of 2019, won by Toronto.
Then, in November 2020, he injured his Achilles tendon while taking part in a friendly match in California.
Holders of a 15-2 record, the Warriors will replay Wednesday night at home, against the 76ers of Philadelphia.