KEY POINTS

  • Draymond Green is among the Warriors players who have been vocal about his thoughts on Klay Thompson's return
  • Green knows what is about to happen to the team's current rotation when Thompson rejoins the squad
  • Thompson reassured his fans that he is coming back sooner rather than later

Klay Thompson is edging closer and closer to his much-awaited Golden State Warriors return, and it has got some of his teammates hyped.

After news broke that there is "optimism" Thompson will be finally making his return when the Warriors face the Cleveland Cavaliers at home Sunday, Dubs nation began buzzing about it, including his longtime co-star Draymond Green.

Known for voicing his real thoughts on almost every matter, Green admitted that the fact that Thompson is nearing his NBA comeback after two long years has been making it difficult for him to get a good night’s sleep due to his excitement.

“I can’t sleep!” Green recently wrote on Instagram with a photo of him and Thompson (via NBC Sports Bay Area’s Grant Liffman). “I don’t expect ya’ll to understand. I’m ready to go to practice.”

In an earlier statement, Green spoke about what lies ahead amid Thompson’s impending return, especially when it comes to the Warriors’ current rotation.

According to the three-time All-Star, it’s true that there will be guys who will not be happy about having to take a step back and make way for Thompson. Green, however, also pointed out that it’s still a good thing as it means that the players are confident about what they can bring to the table.

"There are no idiots on this team, as you can see in our play. Guys understand what's ahead. I think as a leader, there will be a time when you have to step in and, more importantly, keep guys' spirits up. You don't play this week with the guys we have if guys aren't competitors and if guys don't want to play and want to be out there,” Green said.

"There's going to be some pissed-off guys because you want to be out there regardless if Klay Thompson is back," he added. "As a leader, you appreciate that. I don't want a guy on the team who is OK with sitting on the bench. If there is a guy on the team who is just OK with sitting on the bench, when his opportunity comes, he won't be ready. So there are some guys going to be upset.”

During an Instagram Live Monday, Thompson once again reassured his fans that he is close to making his return, and just like most of them, he too “cannot wait.”

"It’s coming," the five-time All-Star said. "Cannot wait to hoop again. It is coming. I’m almost ready. Almost. Almost there. Hang in. I’m almost there."

"I’ll be back soon, people,” he stressed. “It’s been a long journey. But guess what? Smooth waters never made a skilled sailor. So, I’ll be back soon."

Klay Thompson #11of the Golden State Warriors
Klay Thompson #11of the Golden State Warriors Getty Images | Ezra Shaw