KEY POINTS

  • Klay Thompson is hungrier than ever to return to action with the Golden State Warriors
  • Golden State may need to add more talent to back up Thompson, Steph Curry and Draymond Green next season
  • Thompson may not be as efficient as before once he is cleared to return

The Golden State Warriors missed the NBA playoffs for the second-straight year as their struggles to assemble a competitive team continue.

Stephen Curry carried the load for the Dubs this season, but the effort was not enough.

Klay Thompson could have been a big help, but the 31-year-old remains on the sidelines due to an injury.

A Thompson return in the 2021-22 NBA season would provide Warriors head coach Steve Kerry a big boost.

The three-time NBA champion is a missing piece on both ends of the floor, relegated to a spectator as the Dubs bowed out of the current season following a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

It was a gut-wrenching development for the Dubs with Thompson helplessly watching from the bench in street clothes.

Regardless, this has sparked fire from within the five-time All-Star, posting on social media that it has only made him hungrier than ever.

“While our season comes to an end, mines just getting started and I’ve never been hungrier,” Thompson stated.

Without Thompson, the Warriors were missing someone who averages 19.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.

But beyond his offensive prowess, Kerr was missing someone who could play good defense.

Considering he is coming off a torn ACL and Achilles tendon injury, it remains to be seen if Thompson can be as efficient as he was before.

But the woes of Kerr may go beyond Thompson and Curry. While most recall their glory years, the "Splash Brothers "along with Draymond Green need ample backing.

Andrew Wiggins has shown brilliance during games, but critics feel he lacks the consistency to justify his hefty paycheck.

(L-R) Draymond Green #23, Klay Thompson #11, and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors
(L-R) Draymond Green #23, Klay Thompson #11, and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors Getty Images | Ezra Shaw

Kelly Oubre Jr. was a key addition this NBA season, but the speculation is that he will not return in the offseason.

James Wiseman, the rookie who saw his season cut short due to injury, could be a promising figure,

The Warriors are expected to skim the market for needed help with hopes of coming up with a better 2021-22 NBA season.

The Dubs have shown incremental improvement since last season, but it is a given that Kerr and company need to surround Curry, Thompson and Green with able players to rekindle their NBA glory years.

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