MAKE HIS WAYThrough the Golden State WarriorsFollowing a preseason victory over the, locker room Los Angeles LakersZaza Panchulia heard the familiar sound, “A ball bounces on the practice floor.”
Pachulia believed that one of the Warriors’ younger players was receiving extra shots. Surprised at what the long-time NBA consultant and Warriors expert saw next, he was not prepared.
He was able to locate Klay ThompsonThe 31-year-old shot by himself, in full uniform. The 31 year-old was out of the game for two years as he recovered from two life-altering injuries. He tore the ACLin his left leg during Game 6 of 2019 NBA Finals. his right AchillesNovember 2020
Pachulia stated, “That’s when he had his workout.” He already did his rehab, exercise, whatever he was doing, and he accomplished it. He was taking extra shots. That moment was quite telling. [you]This guy clearly cares about basketball and it is evident that he does not miss it.
Pachulia wore a suit and ended up rebounding for a close friend that night. He has been a close friend and emotional supporter of Thompson, as well as preparing him for his return to basketball.
Thompson wore the No.77 Jackie Moon jersey a month later. The No.77 Jackie Moon jersey is a nod at his perceived snubFrom the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, and the jersey and headband to Will Ferrell’s character in “Semi-Pro”, he has just completed the kind of personal training that has been a regular part of his rehabilitation cycle.
He has tried to avoid the frustration of not being voted into the 75th anniversary group, but the snub bothers his because of all he’s accomplished as one the best game shooters and the titles he helped his teammates win.
After the Warriors’ main practice facility is closed, Thompson, along with Pachulia takes the 14-step tunnel from the locker room and steps onto Chase Center.
Thompson appreciates the privacy provided by the floor. It’s private, quiet, and out of the spotlight Thompson actively avoids. He enjoys the game but doesn’t always get the attention that comes with being the best shooter of all time.
Thompson stops when Thompson is asked why his personality resonates so strongly with so many people.
He tells ESPN that maybe it’s just — it is just the real him. “I’m not putting on a show. It’s the real me. I will be me, no matter what position I am on the court or behind the scenes. I don’t care what other people think. I will be who I am.”
It is the reason why Warriors teammates and coaches, as well as support staff, have fallen in love, over the past decade, with the sharpshooting guards from Washington State.
Pachulia’s next statement is what makes it so exciting for the team to add the former five-time All-Star, three-time NBA champion and former All-Star back into the fold. This is a team that has risen back into the championship conversation.
Pachulia says, “And he loves to win.” “I’ll tell ya that.”
Thompson is ready to play again after more than two years of being away from the sport.
“I know my own worth. I know how great I am. I am proud of the things that I have done. … It’s almost like this: How many times must I do something no one has done before to get respect? Do I need to score 50 points in a quarter? I mean, what’s the point? It’s all right, though. It’s over. It’s over. I’m going use it for fuel.
WHEN THOMPSON TOOREHis right Achilles, his friends understood that they needed to do something to ease his pain. The Splash Brother’s teammates supported him in many ways, knowing that rehab can also be mentally taxing.
Pachulia for one wanted Thompson to find a different outlet from basketball.
Pachulia replied, “That was the exact conversation that we had.” “What hobbies are you interested in? … I want him back. I want him — to commit [to rehab]. It is necessary to be committed. If you don’t enjoy your life, it’s difficult to commit. It’s obvious that basketball has been taken away. So what next? How can we help Klay?” He said, “Let’s go for it.” Let’s do it.'”
Thompson, who had long talked about his love for the water after spending a lot of time in the Bahamas with his father Mychal, bought a boat in Southern California in the first part of the pandemic. He drove the boat back to San Francisco Bay Area.
Thompson said, “I have always loved swimming.” When I was growing up in the Bahamas, I loved snorkeling and the beauty of the ocean. I believe that I carried that passion into adulthood. It’s a great feeling to be able to explore and discover new things in your own backyard. It opened up a whole new world to me.”
Thompson still drives the boat to practice and games, but it has allowed him to unwind and make an investment in a new hobby.
Steve Kerr, Warriors head coach, stated that “I believe everyone needs an outlet of some kind.” “For Steph und Andre [Iguodala]It’s the golf course. … Klay’s joy at taking his boat out on a bay is a great way for him to get some sunshine after a long day of working out.
Thompson extended an invitation even to 2020 No. 2 overall pick James WisemanTo join Thompson on his boat this summer, Thompson has been helping the 20-year-old center recover from a meniscus tear that ended his first season. Their friendship has been built on their hours spent together in the gym as well as the locker room.
Wiseman described their time together on the boat as “Basically, he stated, ‘Always captain of your vessel.'” It was a reminder to always take control of your own life and not let anyone else. Be the leader you want to be. Be a leader. There are many people who are afraid to be leaders, but I am not one of them. So I am just asking questions, learning how I can improve my vocal skills and other things in basketball terminology.
As they were both on rehab assignments in Santa Cruz, California with Warriors’ G League affiliate Santa Cruz, Thompson continued to meet the other side. Thompson used this moment to push for the signing Quinndary WeatherspoonHe was attracted to him during practices. Weatherspoon is now a signed two-way deal with Warriors. He said Thompson’s advice was easy.
Weatherspoon stated that he advised Weatherspoon to “Guard them like I guard you and everything else will take its course.” “He’s simply telling me to play within myself, and everything will work.”
Wiseman said that Thompson was “very inspiring to me” and tried to keep the young center’s spirits high as they went through the difficult rehab process.
Wiseman said that he was mentally down during the summer while he was still on crutches and stuff, and he had his brace. But at the same, I am a strong person. It’s hard to watch the games when you can’t play. He encouraged me to continue, even though I was feeling a bit down. … We have been keeping each other uplifted through this offseason and it’s something we continue to do every day.”
Thompson was unable to hide his disappointment after the Nov. 26 victory over the Tigers despite having a healthy outlet and the support from his teammates. Portland Trail Blazers. After the game, he sat on a bench in street clothes. Much of the time, he was covered with a towel. Kerr and his teammates were also there. Draymond GreenAnd Stephen CurryHe was greeted by a crowd of fans who chanted Thompson! Thompson!” Thompson to lift his spirits.
Curry stated later that two-plus years was a long time. I think he is getting closer than he has ever been to getting back onto the floor. This was the hardest part of his journey. He’s around our practices, he’s back with me in those situations, but he isn’t on the court. He clearly values the game.
AS THE RESTWhile the rest of the world is wondering what Thompson’s future will look like, Thompson is determined to prove that he can still be the same player as before his injuries.
The Warriors have done everything possible to ensure Thompson is comfortable upon his return, but they also have a 29-9 record going into Sunday’s match against the Warriors. Cleveland Cavaliers, just one game behind Phoenix SunsFirst place in the Western Conference. Kerr already stated that Thompson would start, but it is yet to be determined how many minutes he will play in his return.
Thompson states, “I’m excited get out there to prove to people who are I,” They forgot that I have been working out for two years. But, I don’t think I’ve ever been more hungry after seeing all of this stuff. Never been hungry. The best way to get revenge is win. Seriously.”
Curry and the Warriors are banking exactly on that — and that’s what one Splash Brother had to say.
Curry said, “It is out of his control.” Curry said that Curry quickly changed the situation to one of fuel-to-the fire. He also feels that people have forgotten how good he is after being away so long. That’s his mission: “Remind people how good I am.”
Thompson is unable to describe what it will feel like when he returns.
Curry, however is not.
Curry explained that it’s similar to when you go to Broadway plays or see Hamilton, and all the cast members come out at the end. It was like the whole stage is making bows and curtsies. And the whole audience is going nuts, because they truly enjoyed the show they saw. It will then hopefully be an energy similar to his 37-point quarter when every shot he makes will feel like a win.