Warriors News: Klay Thompson Gets Some Words Of Wisdom From Phil Jackson

Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors holds low chances of returning this NBA season following an ACL injury last NBA season. The 29-year-old suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in Game 6 of the Warriors title-clash with the Toronto Raptors.

If all goes well, the earliest that the three-time NBA champion can return is the latter part of next season. However, some feel that it would be best for Thompson not to rush his return and risk aggravating his injury. Much of this was covered in a previous post.

Thompson was recently in Los Angeles and bumped into former Lakers coach Phil Jackson. Speaking to The Athletic, Klay revealed some parts of his conversation with the NBA champion coach.

"First thing he asked was, ‘How's the knee?'" Klay said. "Then he goes, ‘I had to take a year off. It was awful.'"

For those who may not be aware, Jackson had his share of injuries as a player. He played from 1967 to 1980 and was not spared from missing an entire season. This happened during the 1969-70 season where he was sidelined by a back injury.

Apparently, that one season of being sidelined is what Jackson was referring to in his conversation with Thompson. However, he played 10 more years after that. In short, it would be best to sit out and fully recover from any kind of sensitive injury.

On the other hand, one can bat that the advancement in medical technology has made it possible for players to recover from injuries faster. But the fact remains that the human body can only take so much beating. The only way Thompson can return is if he gets the medical clearance from doctors. Otherwise, it would be best to hold off until he is truly 100-percent.

The Warriors could use Thompson for the coming season, especially with key teammates departing. That includes Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, and Shaun Livingston, players who contributed to the Dubs last two NBA title runs.

D'Angelo Russell will fill up the void left by Thompson for now. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green will have to step up for the meantime, hopefully enough to help the Dubs fare well in the 2019-20 NBA wars.