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Nuotr .: AFP – Scanpix
Nuotr. AFP – Scanpix
When the Achilles tendon ruptured during Klay Thompson’s training in November, it became clear that the Golden State Warriors star would go two seasons without NBA experience.
Fines are being issued this season
Thompson, who did not play for the Warriors’ game against Utah Jazz in the 2019-2020 season due to cruciate ligament surgery, spoke to the media for the first time since his Achilles tendon injury.
The 31-year-old sniper recalls the worst pain in his eyes on Nov. 19, when his Achilles tendon ruptured during training.
“It’s something I don’t want to remember,” Thompson told a news conference. – It was very painful. It felt like someone from behind was kicking him deep in the heel. It just happened by throwing a shot. I do the movement 100 times a day. “
The defender, who has already removed a special leg splint, is currently in rehab in the water and hopes to return to the lineup early next season.
“The comeback could happen two weeks after the first game of the season, maybe a month later. Anyway, I’m concentrating on the start of next season, “Thompson said.
The three-time NBA champion has revealed that next season the Warriors will again be serious contenders for the title, but much will depend on how Thompson himself looks after the injury.
Thompson, who has been voted into the top five in the league twice, doesn’t expect it to be easy, but is stubborn in going back to the previous level.
“I will be open, I do not expect to play again immediately after 38 minutes, cover the best players and escape the 100 barriers during the game, but I will return to that level a bit, I guarantee it.”, Opened the sniper. – At the beginning of the season I will play 18-20 minutes, we will see what level I am, but I plan to be in the team of the best players of the season where I was before the injuries.
I do not pretend less, I am too competitive to settle for a substitute role that scores 13 points in 20 minutes. No, I’ll be where I was. I can’t wait for that. When I come back, it will be fun not only for me and my teammates, but also for you. “
Thompson did not hide the fact that the trauma was very severe psychologically, but he believes that he will be able to play at a high level with his style of play for a long time.
The 31-year-old athlete is also inspired by basketball players who have successfully returned to their previous level after such injuries.
“From what I’ve heard and read, I lose 5-10 percent of my explosive power after such injuries, but I see guys like Kevin Durant, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Wesley Matthews, John Jerebko … from back to where they were, or very similar, ”Thompson said.
“And looking back in history, a flying man like Dominique Wilkins came back and continued to dominate the league, then winning the Euroleague,” Thompson continued. “I am very inspired by the example of Wilkins, and I also spoke with Grant Hill, who had a wonderful career after the injury.”
Speaking of the Warriors, Thompson said he sees a bright future for the club and praised league rookie James Wiseman.
“I imagine the Warriors will return to the fight for the title. This year is difficult both because of the pandemic and because of the many newcomers to the team, but I think that now we have an incredible group of people and our balance of victories does not determine how good I think we will finish the regular season strong, and it will also be difficult to break in the playoffs.
I love the men on the team and I really love the skills of James Wiseman. I think he will be in the All-Star game for a long time, but he still doesn’t understand how good he is. But who understood 19 years? James has incredible physical abilities and talent that I don’t train. “I hope he continues the Warriors dynasty for many years to come,” Thompson said.
In his final 2018-2019 season, Thompson appeared on the court in 99 games and posted stats of 21.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists for 35 minutes.
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