It looks like Clay Thompson isn't ready to return. According to previous U.S. media reports, the Golden State Warriors' shooting guard has been allowed to attend training, a development that has led them to believe the star is expected to return to San Francisco a week before Christmas. But hours later, Warriors coach Steve Kerr denied the news.
Kerr said no one told him Thompson was perfectly capable of training with the team. "I don't know where this came from."
Whenever Thompson is available, it will be his first game against an active NBA player since the torn left anterior cruciate ligament in the 2019 NBA Finals. In November 2020, he tore his right Achilles tendon in a game a month before the start of the season, when he was preparing to return to the season. As of today, this is the 892nd day that the three-time NBA champion has not appeared in the game. Over the past week, he has played 5-on-5 practice matches with players who are not currently in the top squad.
If Thompson can return to the court the week before the Christmas holiday, it will give Warriors fans an early Christmas gift. That time is roughly in line with the return date previously reported by ESPN's NBA prominent NBA reporter Woj last week. He said a target date for Thompson's return could be set in the coming weeks. It's also consistent with what the Warriors general manager said before preseason, possibly in December, or in January. Head coach Kerr also said he hopes Thompson will be back in the team. Thompson is a favorite among Warriors fans and NBA fans. Warriors owner Joe Lacob also said in October that the day of Clay's return will be the greatest day in the history of chase center and the greatest day in the history of Warriors basketball. It can be seen that Clay's status in the team is still undiminished.
The Warriors currently have the league's best record with a 14-2 record. They will be on a series of tours of the East from December 11 to 18. Anything before that was too early for Thompson. In that case, Thompson could start on Dec. 20 (Sacramento Kings) and Dec. 23 (Memphis Grizzlies). The Christmas vs. Warriors vs. Suns game will be held in Phoenix. Since the schedule was announced, the game has been looped on the NBA's calendar. If Thompson can't make a comeback before that, he could make his debut on a two-game road trip at home against the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 28.