Thompson shares the pain of not playing on Instagram
The Warriors are feeling the pain of playing without Klay Thompson.
And Thompson is feeling the pain of not playing for the second consecutive season.
Thompson shared his pain in an Instagram post last Tuesday, before the Warriors opened their season against the Brooklyn Nets. A photo of him running the floor hard and strong during a Warriors game accompanied the post.
“I do not want to be writing this,” the post began. “My soul is in Brooklyn taking a pre game nap. Unfortunately, reality looks a bit different. Since June 13th, 2019, I have spent countless hours trying to regain the form I was in that you see pictured above, with a lot of heart ache along the way.
“It pains me everyday knowing I won’t be able to chase a chip with my guys this year. I enjoy nothing more in life than the journey of the NBA season capped off with a title.
“I want DubNation to know I’m doing everything in my power to get back to who I was! I hate missing games — I prided myself on being out there every night for the fans and my teammates. Doesn’t matter if its regular or postseason. There’s a huge hole in my soul when I can’t do what I love and compete against the best players in the world. But I plan on playing for a long time and will continue to work every day to get back on the court and help my team bring more championships to the Bay.
“In the meantime, I’m gonna be there for the squad @warriors cuz the mission remains the same!! And it starts tonight let’s get it DubNation!”
The post has received more than 900,000 “likes” and nearly 19,000 people have commented, many offering support and encouragement to a player whose popularity extends throughout the NBA.
A sampling of comments follows.
They’re all from former Warriors teammates unless otherwise noted.
Demarcus Cousins: “God speed champ”
Jordan Bell: “Love you bro, just a bump in the road.”
WNBA star Sabrina Ionesu and East Bay native: “Let’s get it.”
Omri Casspi: “Can’t wait for your comeback, champ!!!”
Festus Ezeli: “This is great bro, we are with you.”
Former NBA opponenty Kenneth Faried: “Prayers with you through it all bro you going to be back and STRONGER than ever WE ALL KNOW IT AND ARE RIDING WITH YOU!” Matt Barnes: “TMC” Former WNBA star Lisa Leslie: “Praying for your recovery 100% Your time will come again”
David Lee: “You’ll be back my guy!!!! Feel better”
Oakland rapper G - Eazy: “My brother, stay strong, the bay loves and appreciates you, you’ll be back stronger than ever champ.”