Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson, who has not suited up for Golden State since the 2019 NBA Finals due to an ACL tear and an Achilles tear incurred in two separate seasons, provided new insight into his expected return timeline this season. Per Kendra Andrews of NBC Sports Bay Area (via Twitter), Thompson revealed on a recent Instagram Live stream that he’s looking to return to action from anywhere between a few weeks to a month.
The Warriors have been doing just fine without Thompson, a five-time All-Star, thus far this season, sporting a 19-4 record, tops in the Western Conference. The 6’6″ Thompson, who will be turning 32 this season, holds career averages of 19.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 2.3 APG, with a sparkling shooting line of .459/.419/.848.
There’s more out of California:
- 6’2″ Warriors guard Gary Payton II appears to have finally found a permanent NBA role as a do-everything perimeter defender for Golden State this season, writes Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area. “He’s so dynamic defensively,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “And when he’s scoring as well – he made a few 3s tonight but also scored around the basket as he does – it’s hard to take him off the floor because of what he does for us… He’s really earned all these minutes.” The 29-year-old out of Oregon State is averaging 14.6 MPG across 22 games with Golden State this year.
- Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue has explained that whether or not he opts to start two traditional big men – 7’1″ center Ivica Zubac and 6’10” power forward Serge Ibaka – will be contingent on matchups, per Mirjam Swanson of the Orange County Register. “I think it helps us with our rebounding,” Lue said. “It’ll be different on a night to night basis; if teams start a small four then it’d be tough to put Serge out there at the four. With this team starting the way they’re starting tonight then we can try to do it again tonight and get away with it.”
- A four-guard crunch-time Kings lineup of De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, Terence Davis and Davion Mitchell, playing alongside traditional center Richaun Holmes, has proven to be effective for Sacramento, observes Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee. This rotation was trotted out against a small-ball Clippers lineup in an eventual 104-99 Sacramento victory this weekend. “It was just about pushing the pace, making them play at our pace and running,” Haliburton said. “So I thought we did a really good job of that.”
Different person?
Donald Trump Jr and Donald Trump II
I view Gary Payton II as the strongest man, and best guard/wing defender in the nba.
My favorite player is Gary Payton II.
Opponent field goal
Payton II 39.2%.
Draymond 43.8%
Rudy Gobert 44.3%
Opponent field goal
Payton II 39.2%.
Wiggins 42.8%
Bridges Suns 43.4%
I still cant believe this year is his first guarantee nba contract. Everything else has been 2 way or 10 day contract. He is already 29 years old. It’s literally the best nba story this year and he is having as much impact on W’s as Iggy did during the championship yrs. GP2 is always calm, makes right plays, and plays like a well paid long time veteran. Hope be makes all defense team at yr end.
Does Klay have to be a starter right away????!
Why not just come back off the bench and slowly increase minutes?? Let Poole continue to start for awhile… and let’s just pick spots for Klay.
He will be a low min starter. First few games I doubt he exceeds 20min. 4-6 to start the first, 4-6 to start the third, and 4-6 to end the game would be my guess. The whole point would be to work him up to full strength for 28-34min by the playoffs. They also want to have him announced as “At shooting guard from Washington State”.
Starters dont have to play “starter min”, until they are ready.
If Klay is right. He will be in starting lineup. But there’s no rush. And you need him most for playoffs. Warriors are in a good place. With three very good talents. Coming back eventually Wiseman, Kuminga. Klay.
And wiseman will be a + positive guaranteed? He’s been a – negative on the team when he is on the court and all of get sudden you think he’ll be a plus player? You have nothing to base that on.
The Dubs are playing great Dubs style ball right now because they play small ball and can switch with all their wings. Wiseman is literally the most unDubs like player on the team.
Give the young fella a chance. He’s athletic and tall, and have had plenty time to observe and learn. He just might surprise you. We need him at year end for sure.
That’s a dream scenario but games happen on the court. The dubs certainly need help for Looney in play offs – just nay need to be someone other than Wiseman. Don’t be surprised if one off the two Pacers big men are Dubs.