The NBA Cup will have a blockbuster matchup, which fans cannot wait for. Klay Thompson will return to face the Golden State Warriors, the first match-up between the two, after leaving for the Dallas Mavericks. “I’m not ready for this, man,” mentioned Stephen Curry, as Klay Thompson was ready to play the game like another normal one in the NBA. Yet, his exit from the Golden State Warriors saw people questioning why they didn’t sign him up.

Even though they offered him a $48 million contract for two years, Klay didn’t feel valued. But there is a lot to this story. The ACL injury he suffered during the 2019 NBA finals dampened his process in a way. At a time when he was about to reach his prime, Thompson had a devastating knee injury that kept him out for two entire seasons. That’s incredible! Still, the Warriors refused to terminate his contract and respected his recovery process.

“He was so distraught at times, even last year. It was sad. To me, he’s just had a really difficult time reconciling the injuries,” Kerr mentioned Klay’s state of mind after hurting his knee.

However, Kerr knew he might not be the same player again. “That’s just so devastating,” Kerr claimed according to the Athletic. “To me, 28, 29, 30, that’s when everything comes together — your mind, your experience, your body, your skill. I didn’t think he ever looked better. So that injury clearly was the pendulum swinging the other way in his career. He was still good. Still really good. Helped us win a championship (in 2022).”

It’s heartbreaking to see a player who had two years of his NBA career cut out because of an injury. With the Warriors reliant on Klay Thompson to become that spot-up shooter, things didn’t go well for him. Yet, he rallied back to win another NBA championship in 2022, which probably cemented his legacy with the franchise.

The NBA fraternity feels that was the best Warriors championship run. Nonetheless, Kerr knew the potential of the Warriors who could have won a 4th title in 2019 if Klay played in the series. The Toronto Raptors went and created history. But yes, well-deserved. Nobody can take that away from Toronto!

Steve Kerr analyzes Klay Thompson’s prime cut down into two halves

ACL injuries are tricky. It can recur if you don’t treat it the same way. The guard had it tough, and Kerr couldn’t believe what he saw. He thought there was more to come. “Those next couple years (after the ACL), I think, would’ve been his absolute prime,” mentioned Kerr. Oh yes, the rim was wider for Klay as most shots went in.

Kerr continued, “That would’ve been the very best version of Klay. I think part of the reason he struggled so much with it emotionally is that he knew those years were ripped from him by the injuries. He was really at the apex of his game. That’s why it was so tough to see him suffer.”

It’s really disheartening to watch Thompson attempting to return to the game after an ACL injury. Personally having experienced an ACL injury, wonder what went through Thompson’s mind when he came out on court. It certainly hurts. But he does have the heart of a warrior. That’s what separates him from the rest of the pack.

Can’t wait to see him play against the Golden State Warriors. Words that we never knew would be said!