Amanda Knapp
Klay Thompson, widely regarded as one of the best three-point shooters of all time, spent two years away from basketball after suffering a series of injuries, including a torn ACL in 2019 and a torn Achilles in 2020. During his time off, Thompson confronted his basketball mortality and worked on his physical and mental health, engaging in activities like spearfishing and reading books. He eventually returned to the court in 2022, playing for the Golden State Warriors and helping them win the NBA championship that year. However, his time with the Warriors ended in 2024, and he signed with the Dallas Mavericks last summer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | Rehabilitation from leg injuries |
| Length of absence | 2 years |
| Team | Golden State Warriors |
| Number of seasons missed | 2 seasons |
| Dates | 2019-2022 |
| Injuries | Torn ACL, torn Achilles |
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What You'll Learn
Klay Thompson's two-year injury absence
Klay Thompson is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played his first 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he was part of the "'Splash Brothers' alongside Stephen Curry. Thompson is regarded as one of the best three-point shooters of all time and is a four-time NBA champion.
However, Thompson's career took a setback when he suffered a serious injury during the 2019 NBA Finals. He tore his left ACL, forcing him to miss the entire 2019-2020 season. Just when he was nearing his return, tragedy struck again as he suffered another major setback, this time tearing his Achilles in 2020, which caused him to miss the entire 2020-2021 season as well. These two consecutive injuries kept Thompson sidelined for two years, and he had to work hard on his rehabilitation.
During his absence, the Warriors had to find replacements, and up-and-coming guard Jordan Poole stepped up, taking on a larger role in the team. Thompson's future with the Warriors became uncertain as negotiations on a new contract stalled. He faced a challenging period, confronting his own basketball mortality and the realisation that his role within the team had diminished.
Finally, after two long years, Thompson made his highly anticipated return to the court in 2022. His resilience and determination paid off, and he was able to contribute to the Warriors' success once again. However, the dynamics within the team had shifted, and Thompson found himself in a different position upon his return. Despite his comeback, the joy and success that had previously defined the Warriors' dynastic run since 2015 seemed to have faded.
Thompson's two-year injury absence was a difficult period for both him and the Warriors organisation. It led to changes in the team's lineup and dynamics, and raised questions about his future with the franchise. Nonetheless, his comeback in 2022 served as a testament to his dedication and love for the sport.
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Thompson's left knee and Achilles tendon injuries
Klay Thompson, a four-time NBA champion, five-time NBA All-Star, and two-time All-NBA Third Team honoree, has had a challenging journey back to the basketball court after suffering consecutive left knee and Achilles tendon injuries.
On June 13, 2019, during Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Thompson experienced his first major injury. While in the air, he was fouled by Danny Green and landed awkwardly, grabbing his left knee in pain. This injury was later diagnosed as a torn ACL in his left knee, which caused him to miss the entire 2019-20 NBA season.
During his recovery from the ACL tear, Thompson admitted that he wasn't as cautious as he should have been. He stated that he missed the game and was eager to return, which may have contributed to his subsequent Achilles tendon injury. Near the end of his ACL recovery, Thompson tore his right Achilles tendon during a workout, causing him to miss another season, the 2020-21 season.
These injuries had a significant impact on Thompson's career and resulted in a lengthy absence from the game. He underwent two grueling rehabilitation processes and had to cope with the psychological challenges that came with being unable to play basketball. Thompson's passion for the game was evident, and he expressed his feelings in an Instagram Live post, saying, "Smooth waters never made a skilled sailor."
After two and a half years of rehabilitation and facing mental hurdles, Thompson finally made his highly anticipated return to the court on January 9, 2022, playing for the Golden State Warriors against the Cleveland Cavaliers. His return sparked discussions about the Warriors' chances in the playoffs, with many believing they could be a real contender.
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The end of the Klay Thompson era at Golden State
Klay Thompson's time at the Golden State Warriors came to an end in 2024, bringing his 13-year association with the franchise to a close. Thompson, who is now with the Dallas Mavericks, had a storied career with the Warriors, winning an NBA championship in 2022 and being regarded as one of the best three-point shooters of all time. However, the end of his time in Golden State was marked by a period of unhappiness and a decline in his role and performance.
Thompson had spent two years away from basketball due to major leg injuries, including a torn ACL in 2019 and a torn Achilles in 2020. During this time, the Warriors had to find replacements for him, and when he returned in 2022, his role on the team had been diminished. He was reportedly unhappy with how negotiations for a new contract were going and felt that he was not valued by the franchise in the same way that other players were.
The Warriors' controlling owner, Joe Lacob, attempted to strengthen the bond with Thompson by inviting him to play golf at an exclusive course. However, by this point, it seemed that the relationship between Thompson and the Warriors had already broken down, and there was no discussion of contracts or the team during the golf game.
Thompson's unhappiness extended beyond the contract negotiations. He was reportedly miserable about his declining role on the team and the decline in his performance. The joy that had been a hallmark of the Warriors' dynastic run since 2015 had evaporated, and the team was no longer winning, missing the playoffs in the 2023-24 season.
The end of Thompson's era at Golden State marked a significant change for the franchise, as they moved on from one of their most legendary players. Thompson's departure left a void that the Warriors had to fill, and it remained to be seen how the team would adapt to his absence.
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Thompson's declining role and performance
Klay Thompson, widely regarded as one of the best three-point shooters of all time, has had a decorated career in the NBA. He played his first 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he was part of the "Splash Brothers" and won four championships. However, his back-to-back injuries in 2019 and 2020 marked a turning point in his career and the Warriors' dominance.
Thompson's performance in the 2023-24 season was a stark contrast to his peak years, signalling a decline that sparked discussions about his role and future. His season-by-season statistics reflect not just his individual performance but also the Warriors' success, with their win percentage closely tied to his performance metrics. During his absence and decline in form, the Warriors' win percentage dropped significantly, from a high of 0.700 in his peak seasons to as low as 0.231 in the 2019-20 season.
Thompson's net rating and plus-minus, which estimate the team's performance when he is on the court, have also been indicators of the Warriors' success. His net rating fell to -3.0 and plus-minus to -1.6 in the 2023-24 season, suggesting the Warriors were being outscored by their opponents when he played. Additionally, his declining win VORP indicates that he is becoming more replaceable.
Thompson's struggles with injuries and subsequent dip in form have been well-documented. NBA legend Charles Barkley commented on Thompson's decline, stating that he was disappointed and that Thompson would not be the same player again due to age and injuries. Barkley's comments sparked a response from Thompson's supporters, including Steph Curry and his mother, Sonya Curry, who defended his recent resurgence.
Despite his recent struggles, Thompson remains an essential part of the Warriors' DNA. His sharpshooting, defensive prowess, and ability to stretch the defence are pivotal to the team's success. However, with his performance metrics declining, there are questions about his future role and the Warriors' ability to reclaim their dominance.
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Thompson's move to the Dallas Mavericks
Klay Thompson, one of the best three-point shooters of all time, played his first 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors. During his time with the Warriors, Thompson was part of the ""Splash Brothers"" and won four NBA championships. He is also a five-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-NBA Third Team honoree, and was once named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.
In 2024, Thompson made a big move and signed with the Dallas Mavericks. This was a historic six-team trade deal that also involved the Charlotte Hornets, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Philadelphia 76ers. The Mavericks acquired Thompson and a 2025 second-round draft choice, while the Warriors received forward Kyle Anderson and guard Buddy Hield.
Thompson's decision to sign with the Mavericks was influenced by the opportunity to complement the star tandem of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. He also believed in the opportunity to win with the Mavericks, stating that it was not their job to get deflated but to convince people that there were great days ahead.
Thompson's move to the Mavericks was well-received by fans and the organization. The Mavericks' website quoted Harrison as saying, "We're thrilled to have Klay join us in Dallas. As one of the league's greatest shooters who competes on both ends, we feel Klay is a perfect fit for our team." Thompson's experience and shooting ability were expected to provide spacing and support for Doncic and Irving, helping the Mavericks in their pursuit of a championship.
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Frequently asked questions
Klay Thompson was out of basketball for two years, from 2019 to 2022.
Klay Thompson suffered major leg injuries, including a torn ACL in 2019 and a torn Achilles in 2020, which kept him out of the game for two seasons.
After his injury break, Klay Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks, leaving the Golden State Warriors after 11 years.
