Klay Thompson Unlikely To Return During 19-20 Season

[RealGM Wiretap]

Klay Thompson is unlikely to play at all during the 19-20 season as he recovers from a torn ACL, according to Steve Kerr.

"It's unlikely that he's going to play this year," Kerr said. "So we have to understand that."

Thompson suffered the injury during Game 6 of The Finals and underwent surgery on July 2nd. Thompson has said he hopes to return shortly after the All-Star break.

"You have to look at it realistically," Kerr said. "I had an ACL [tear] in college, and I missed a whole season. Generally, an ACL for a basketball player is a full-year recovery, and if it's a full year for Klay, that puts them out for the season.

“We've kind of left the door open in case the rehab goes perfectly and the doctors say he can go. But the reality is, on April 1, that’s the nine-month mark. ... April versus nine months post-op for an ACL.

"We have to prepare our young guys to fill that role behind him, and when he gets back, whenever that is, hopefully these young guys now are developed and in the rotation and ready to really be contributors on a playoff team and we can get better," Kerr added.

Via Logan Murdock/NBC Sports

[RipCityKJ]

With everything that happened with them rushing Durant back the smartest thing the Warriors could do is take their time with Klay.

[RoyceDa59]

With everything that happened with them rushing Durant back the smartest thing the Warriors could do is take their time with Klay.

I actually don't believe a word Kerr says about injuries he lies all the time to keep opponents on their toes.

Klay back before the playoffs you can bank on it.

[ItsDanger]

He can come back from ACL tear in less than 12 months, every person is different. I call BS.

[Pickled Prunes]

With everything that happened with them rushing Durant back the smartest thing the Warriors could do is take their time with Klay.

I actually don't believe a word Kerr says about injuries he lies all the time to keep opponents on their toes.

Klay back before the playoffs you can bank on it.

You think Kerr is lying today to through off a potential opponent in May? They can only fool one team, one time... so which game on the schedule do you think he is targeting for Klay's surprise return?

[Billl]

Not sure what you expect him to say. After they let Durant come back early and he suffered a major injury, of course they are going to say they are going to take it slow with klay.

[hyberx]

Coming back to play is different than coming go back to play at an Allstar level. Unless the Ws are making a deep playoff run, there's no point for Klay to rush back. Just let him sit out the year fully heal up and get back in shape, next year is what really matters.

[Laimbeer]

Steph already planning on turning that ankle and sitting out too.