Andrew Pace
Klay Thompson is an American professional basketball player who has had a long and successful career in the NBA. After playing his first 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he was part of the Splash Brothers, Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks in 2022. However, his first season with the Mavericks was marred by injuries and illness, and he missed the entirety of the 2023-24 season. Fans have been eagerly awaiting his return to the court, and in November 2024, Thompson finally made his comeback, playing against his former team, the Warriors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of return to Chase Center | November 12, 2024 |
| Return to full practice | October 2021 |
| Return to play | January 2022 |
| Team | Dallas Mavericks |
| Previous team | Golden State Warriors |
| Number of seasons with previous team | 11 or 13 |
| Number of championships with previous team | 4 |
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What You'll Learn
Klay Thompson's injuries and recovery
Klay Thompson, one of the best three-point shooters of all time, has had a bumpy road to recovery after sustaining multiple injuries that have kept him out of the game for extended periods. Thompson, a five-time NBA All-Star, played his first 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors and is now with the Dallas Mavericks.
Thompson's injury woes began during the 2019 NBA Finals when he tore his ACL in Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors. This injury occurred after he landed awkwardly in a side split position following a jump shot, causing him to grab his left hamstring in discomfort. He missed the rest of the 2019-20 season due to this injury and began his rehabilitation process.
In November 2020, Thompson suffered another setback when he sustained a leg injury during an offseason workout in Southern California. It was later reported that he had torn his Achilles, which resulted in him missing the entire 2020-21 season as well.
Thompson worked hard on his recovery and rehabilitation, and there was speculation about his potential return to the court in late 2021 or early 2022. ESPN's Nick Friedell predicted a return before Christmas Day 2021, while ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that the Warriors were initially targeting the team's Christmas Day game against the Suns for his comeback.
Finally, on January 9, 2022, Thompson made his highly anticipated return to the court, playing against the Cavaliers. This marked the end of a long and challenging recovery period for the five-time All-Star.
Since his return, Thompson has continued to play for the Dallas Mavericks and pursue his fifth championship ring.
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His return to Chase Center with the Mavericks
Klay Thompson's return to the Chase Center with the Mavericks on November 12, 2024, was an emotional moment for the five-time NBA All-Star. It was his first time back at the arena since leaving the Golden State Warriors, with whom he had spent his first 13 seasons in the NBA and won four championships.
Thompson's return was highly anticipated, and the Warriors had a special "Salute Captain Klay" ceremony planned before the game. Fans were encouraged to arrive early and were given captain's hats, honouring Thompson's tradition of boating to games as "Captain Klay". The tribute also included a video celebrating his time with the Warriors, during which he became known as one of the best three-point shooters of all time.
Thompson himself tried to play down the significance of the occasion, saying it was "just another regular-season game in November". However, he acknowledged that seeing the fans and returning to the arena would be an emotional experience. In the game itself, Thompson scored 22 points, making six three-pointers, although the Mavericks lost to the Warriors 120-117.
Thompson's move to the Mavericks was part of the league's first six-team deal, and he signed a three-year, $50 million contract. He made his Mavericks debut on 19 October 2024, and across his first 10 games, he averaged 13.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 30.1 minutes per game. He also set a Mavericks franchise record for the most three-pointers made in a debut game.
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Thompson's time with the Warriors
Klay Thompson played his first 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he was part of the "Splash Brothers" duo alongside teammate Stephen Curry. Thompson was selected in the first round of the 2011 NBA draft by Golden State with the 11th overall pick. In his junior season, he led the Pac-10 in scoring, earning All-Pac-10 first team honours.
Thompson is known for his quiet, laid-back personality and is regarded as a clutch scorer, particularly in Game 6s of playoff series, earning him the nickname "Game 6 Klay". He is also praised for his stamina and is considered a strong defender due to his size and ability to defend against both elite guards and wings.
During the 2014 season, Thompson and Curry set an NBA record with 484 combined three-pointers, a record they broke again in the following two seasons. In 2015, Thompson helped lead the Warriors to their first NBA championship since 1975, and the team advanced to the NBA Finals the following season, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thompson and the Warriors won two more titles in 2017 and 2018, and he helped them reach their fifth straight Finals in 2019. However, during this series, he suffered a torn ACL that kept him out of play for over two and a half years.
After his long injury layoff, Thompson returned in the middle of the 2021-22 season and won his fourth NBA championship. He then left the Warriors to join the Dallas Mavericks, citing his desire for a higher salary. Despite some fans' hopes that he will return to the Warriors, Thompson has stated that he does not regret his decision to leave.
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His contract with the Mavericks
Klay Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks in July 2024 on a three-year, $50 million contract. This came after spending the first 11 or 13 seasons of his career with the Golden State Warriors, where he won four championships.
Thompson's decision to join the Mavericks was influenced by the opportunity to complement the star tandem of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Dallas. He also sought a change of scenery and the chance to work with a new team. During his time with the Warriors, Thompson established himself as one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA, setting numerous records, including the NBA single-game record of 14 three-pointers in a game against the Chicago Bulls in 2018.
Thompson's debut with the Mavericks was highly anticipated, and he set a franchise record for the most three-pointers made in a debut game with six three-pointers. However, his first season with the Mavericks did not go as expected, and he averaged 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 27.3 minutes across 72 regular-season appearances. He faced challenges with injuries and illness, impacting his performance and availability.
Despite the challenges, Thompson remains a valuable member of the Mavericks. In one of his performances, he scored 16 of his 23 points in the second quarter, contributing to a crucial win against the Kings. Thompson's presence and experience as a five-time NBA All-Star and four-time NBA champion bring depth and mentorship to the team.
Thompson's contract with the Mavericks reflects the team's belief in his ability to contribute to their success. The three-year duration provides him with the security to focus on his game and adapt to his new team. The $50 million value of the contract also demonstrates the Mavericks' commitment to Thompson and their recognition of his talent and potential impact on the court.
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His performance in the 2024-25 season
Klay Thompson's performance in the 2024-25 season was impressive, to say the least. After a strong start to the season with the Dallas Mavericks, where he averaged 13.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in his first 10 games, Thompson continued to showcase his exceptional skills. Known for his three-point shooting prowess, he set a Mavericks franchise record for the most three-pointers made in a debut game.
Throughout the season, Thompson consistently delivered high-scoring performances, including a 23-point game against the Kings, where he scored 16 points in the second quarter alone. He also had notable games against the Grizzlies, where he put up 18 points, and the Bulls, where he recorded his 200th three-pointer of the season. Thompson's impact extended beyond the stats, as he provided veteran leadership and clutch scoring abilities for the Mavericks.
However, Thompson's season was not without its challenges. He battled through illnesses and a foot injury at times, which affected his performance and caused him to miss some games. Despite this, he remained a key contributor to the Mavericks' success, and his experience and determination kept the team competitive.
As the season progressed, Thompson's health improved, and he regained his signature form. He averaged 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 27.3 minutes across 72 regular-season appearances for the Mavericks. This consistency and production solidified his reputation as one of the best three-point shooters in NBA history. By the end of the season, Thompson had helped the Mavericks secure a strong position in the Western Conference.
Looking back at the 2024-25 season, Klay Thompson's performance was a testament to his resilience and talent. Despite joining a new team and facing injury setbacks, he quickly adapted and made significant contributions. His impact on the court, along with his leadership and experience, played a crucial role in the Mavericks' success. Thompson's return to form solidified his place as one of the league's most respected and feared players.
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Frequently asked questions
Klay Thompson returned to basketball in January 2022, after missing the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons due to injuries.
Klay Thompson returned to the Dallas Mavericks, after playing his first 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors.
Klay Thompson is a shooting guard.
Klay Thompson played 11 or 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, winning four championships.
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