Thompson says ‘worst is behind’ him in rehab
As much as the Warriors and their fans loved seeing Klay Thompson at Chase Center on Tuesday night, they’ll enjoy what he told coach Steve Kerr even more.
Thompson, making his first trip to see the team play this season, gave Kerr an optimistic update on his recovery from an offseason, season-ending Achilles tendon injury.
“I talked to Klay before the game,” Kerr told reporters following a 104-95 loss to Indiana. “It was great to see him. He’s in really good spirits. He’s happy to be up here with his teammates. In his words, the worst is behind him.”
Kerr also revealed Thompson, who is in a walking boot these days, is about to take another important step in his recovery process.
“He’s going to be able to get into the pool next week and start running in the pool. He was very upbeat about everything,” Kerr said.
That kind of positive update takes a bit of the sting out of not having Thompson playing for a second straight season.
And, even though Thompson can’t get on the court, Kerr and the Warriors believe just having him courtside and in the locker room as much as possible is therapeutic for all involved.
With the Warriors embarking on a three-game trip beginning tonight in Denver, perhaps Thompson makes another appearance when the team returns to Chase Center next Wednesday against the Spurs?
That would be welcome news for all, especially Kevon Looney, the Warriors’ sixth-year post player who was overjoyed to have Thompson around Tuesday.
“It was great to see Klay again,” Looney told reporters. “He brings a different type of energy, a different type of joy to the locker room. It’s great to have him out there to be a part of everything, just to see him. He seems to be in great spirits and looking good.
“He’s been one of the leaders and vocal people in our locker room. To have him back has been great.”