The Golden State Warriors have been waiting a long time for the return of Klay Thompson.
He missed the entirety of the past two seasons and last played in the 2019 NBA Finals.
That is a long time away from the game and fans are waiting to see if he returns at his prior, legendary levels.
But the first step is just getting back on the floor in general.
The Warriors reportedly have a date in mind for his triumphant return.
There’s optimism Golden Warriors guard Klay Thompson will make his return vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, sources tell ESPN. A final decision is expected once the Warriors return from a two-game trip on Friday.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 3, 2022
Golden State is eyeing a matchup Sunday with the Cleveland Cavaliers for Thompson’s return.
Returning against the Cavs is almost poetic after his years of battle with that team.
A Potential Sunday Return
There is still nothing definitive yet about Thompson coming back Sunday.
But there is no reason why anything should change regarding his status between now and then.
He has been away from the game long enough and has to be eager to get on the court again.
Thompson is a five-time All-Star, a three-time champion, and is one of the best shooters in the modern era and of all time.
That is why his impending return is almost unfair for the rest of the NBA.
Klay Thompson held up six fingers as he left pregame warmups.
He could possibly make his return in six days.
(via @NBCSWarriors) pic.twitter.com/XjYyqA5zQL
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 4, 2022
The Warriors are already 29-7 this season and thus own the best record in the game.
Adding Thompson back to the mix puts the Warriors back at the elite level they were at just a few years ago.
Stephen Curry is averaging 27.2 points per game this year.
Andrew Wiggins is next with 19.1 and Jordan Poole is right there with 18.1.
Even getting Thompson back around 15 points per night is going to only make the Warriors even better than they are now.
He can also be eased back into action because he essentially returns as a bonus weapon.
A return against the Cavaliers is fitting and Thompson may channel some past magic seen against the team to give the home fans a reason to lose their minds as the Warriors get whole again.
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