Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors is not expected to return until the 2020-21 NBA season. However, working himself back to shape is needed and the COVID-19 pandemic may have altered his timeline. With most confined at home, the 30-year-old has been left with no recourse but to work out by himself.
Most view the coronavirus break as something that would benefit athletes like Thompson. However, that is not entirely true. With travel restrictions in place, the three-time NBA champion is unable to rehabilitate and keep track of his recovery since he is unable to be checked by physicians. It has been frustrating for Thompson but there seem to be more unfortunate factors ahead.
Working out with teammates and at facilities is another part of Thompson's return plans. Some facilities have been re-opened but limited to players who are in top health. Injured players are not included, further adding to the frustrations of the five-time NBA All-Star.
Though most of these seem negative, the father of Klay Thompson (Mychal Thompson) shares some updates when he spoke to Mike Medina of USA Today. He rues the fact that Klay has been stopped by these limitations but the 30-year-old guard is trying to make do with what is available to him.
“He just works out on his own like everybody else. He can’t work out with other guys in groups. You have to find a place to shoot on your own and do your exercises. These guys know what to do. You run your sprints alone and can find an empty gym. Get a key to an empty gym and go shoot. All of these guys have connections to a gym,” Mychal Thompson said.
Being a shooter, maintaining that rhythm will be tough for Thompson. Though he is doing all he can at home, it could be an eventual reason to delay his return. However, the main thing here is for Thompson to fully heal from the ACL injury he suffered during the last NBA finals. There are plans to resume games but indoors. The only thing certain is that insinuations that Klay could play some games this NBA season are likely to happen.
Should his return be delayed, it will be up to head coach Steve Kerr to adjust. The Dubs are favored to own the rights to the top pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, something likely to be used on Anthony Edwards. The rookie may temporarily take the place of Thompson early next season with no guarantee that the multi-titled franchise can perform better compared to this season.
