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Klay Thompson (11) reacts to a question as the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors practiced during an off day between Games 1 and 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Saturday, June 1, 2019. The Raptors lead the series 1-0. (Photo by Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
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Klay Thompson (11) reacts to a question as the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors practiced during an off day between Games 1 and 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Saturday, June 1, 2019. The Raptors lead the series 1-0. (Photo by Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors fans are over the moon during this off season. Their rookies impressed in the Summer League and Stephen Curry signed a contract extension. However, the biggest reason is the return of Klay Thompson.
Thompson has not played in the NBA for the last 2 seasons. He suffered an ACL injury in the finals against Toronto in 2019. Now, he is closer than ever to a return. Recently, a video of him running and taking a proper jumpshot came out. But, doctor reveals that the most important detail is something prior to the shot.
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Klay Thompson participates in a Golden State Warriors practice at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 before Thursday’s Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. (Photo by Paul Chinn/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Klay Thompson looking good
Klay has been battling hard to recover from his injuries. He has given it his everything, and is now almost at the end of the tunnel. He put out a short clip on his Instagram story, showing himself during a workout. The great sight was that he was running and putting up shots like before.
The most important detail here is that prior to the shot, Klay’s comfortable catching on a hop with heels off the ground and then jumping. This “stretch-shorten cycle” (SSC) loads the achilles tendon significantly & requires elasticity. One of the hardest things to get back https://t.co/vzHSmBA6rs
— Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT (@3cbPerformance) August 25, 2021
However, Dr. Rajpal Brar focuses on his movement before the shot. He says the best detail to see is his hop before taking the jump. He states how the hop is the hardest part because it requires flexibility and loads the ACL. This is great news for any NBA fan, as the sharpshooter is right on track for his return.
Thompson has religiously worked towards recovering from his injuries. Notably, he recovered from the injury he suffered in the finals, but picked up the ACL injury during training prior to the season. His absence hurt the Warriors deeply. Moreover, Curry suffered an injury that season as well.
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Klay Thompson smiles he listens to a reporters question during a media availability session as the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors practiced before Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Sunday, June 9, 2019. The Raptors lead the series 3-1 (Photo by Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Now, the splash brothers will take the floor after 2 whole seasons. One of the most terrifying backcourt duos will be back with some great supporting pieces to go with it.
How do the Warriors look now?
The Bay had an impressive last season considering they were in playoff contention without their second best player. Curry is back on top of his game coming off an MVP caliber season averaging 32 points per game. With the return of Klay, Warriors look as dangerous as ever.
USA Today via Reuters
January 25, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) and guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrate against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The original trio comprising Draymond, Curry and Klay will finally play together. Their chemistry is always on point as they have played together since coming in the league. In addition, Wiggins showed out during the late half of the season as well.
Young James Wiseman has now had the chance t develop into a deadly center as well. His contributions will be valuable as a versatile center. He can score on the inside and outside while also being a rim protector. Off the bench, rookies Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody provide great offensive depth. Hence, the Bay will be back at full strength and major threats to any team.
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