Draymond Green shares fear on Klay Thompson's return: "He could not be mentally ready"
Draymond Green talks about Klay's return to the starting lineup
The Golden State Warriors recently pulled out guard Klay Thompson from the G League, sending signals that his return might be just around the corner. Reports reveal that Thompson even hit a game-winning shot in one of the scrimmages.
Various reports say that Thompson could be ready by Christmas. The Warriors themselves have not announced the exact day of his return. Earlier this month, Thompson echoed the same sentiment, noting that he is still a work in progress. Recently, forward Draymond Green chimed in on the matter, expressing fear, particularly regarding Thompson's headspace.
"So I just kind of stay here, stay focused, try not to anticipate that, try to let him work on his own terms. One thing I know about being hurt … you start to feel the anticipation of everyone around you in the circle when that starts to mount up, and the reality is that I don’t think he should feel that. I don’t really think that’s fair to him and his process, his mentals. He may not be ready mentally, right? His body can be great but is he ready tomorrow mentally? He could not be," Green said, NBC Sports.
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Green's comments are contrary to Thompson's own. Per Sideline Sources, the Splash Brother says he does not fear getting hurt again. The former Defensive of the Year is simply trying to put himself in Thompson's shoes. Missing two years of action does things to an athlete's mindset. Apart from this, Green is aware that the guard is getting battered with questions every day on his return. The pressures could mount. And so, for Green, the proper attitude is to remain calm and patiently see things develop.
"So I don’t want him to feel that anxiety and that pressure that I know comes with it when everybody’s looking like, “Oh man, he about to be back. Hey Klay, you back?’ That anxiety, it adds up and it weighs on you. So, no, I’m not anticipating it all but I am very excited about it. When they set a date, I’ll anticipate that date. Until then, I try to keep my hopes very even-keeled."
Green's approach may be the right way to view Thompson's impending return. Once he returns, the Warriors may not even field him his usual 30-40 minutes per contest. Instead, expect the team to hold his hand as he wades through the water. It would be foolish to throw him right in and expect him to run laps.
