Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson has suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
What We Know:
- It was initially reported Wednesday afternoon that Klay Thompson had injured his right lower leg during a workout in Southern California. After an MRI Thursday morning, the Warriors’ worst fear has been confirmed: Thompson’s right Achilles tendon has been ruptured.
- According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Thompson was working out with several other NBA players in Los Angeles and felt pain in his right lower leg. He could not put weight on the leg and needed to be helped off the court.
- Thompson, 30, missed the entire 2019-2020 season after tearing his left knee ACL during the 2019 NBA Finals. Thompson spent the entire season recovering and rehabbing and he was looking ready to be back at full strength for the 2020-2021 season, but unfortunately, he will be out for his second straight season.
- An Achilles tear is one of the worst injuries a professional athlete can suffer. Very few athletes have fully recovered from it and come back to their sport at the same level. Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm bounced back this past season from her Achilles injury and won WNBA Finals MVP. Kevin Durant and John Wall are expecting to return to the NBA this upcoming season after recovering from their Achilles injuries.
- This news was devastating for the Golden State Warriors and all NBA players and fans. Thompson is one of the most popular and beloved players in the sport. His absence will certainly affect the Warriors, who will likely struggle to reach their championship aspirations without him. There is room for optimism because the organization is confident Thompson will make a full recovery.
- Thompson is a five-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA selection, and three-time NBA Champion. He has a career three-point percentage of 42% and is recognized as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. He is also recognized as one of the NBA’s “iron-men” as he rarely misses time on the court. He played over 70 games for seven straight seasons and since his rookie season in 2011-2012, he has logged the fifth-most minutes out of any NBA player.
Thompson’s injury is a serious blow to the Warriors, but there is still excitement in the organization after drafting Memphis prospect James Wiseman in yesterday’s draft.
