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The upcoming 2021-22 NBA season is big for the Golden State Warriors. The missing cornerstone of their franchise, Klay Thompson, is going to be making his comeback soon. Dubs fans have been waiting in anticipation for his return for almost 2.5 years now and this might be it. In fact, it might be even sooner than anyone would have thought. At least that’s the update Shams Charania has given.

Klay Thompson first suffered an ACL tear during the 2019 NBA Finals, against the Toronto Raptors. At the time, the Golden State Warriors were trying to extend their legacy after winning three championships in four seasons. Sitting out the entire season after it, the Warriors were nowhere to be seen in contention.

There were hopes that he would make it to the 2020-21 season, but he had to go through surgery to fix his torn Achilles in November 2020. Although the last season was much better than expected in Klay’s absence, thanks to Stephen Curry, they still need him very much. At least to survive in the playoffs, if they make it past the play-in tournament. So, when can we expect his comeback?

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Klay Thompson might be returning sooner than expected

With this season banking on his return, Shams has given some good news. He said, “I’m told Klay Thompson will be cleared for full practice over the next month or so. From there it’s just going to be about him ramping up, him rehabbing, continuing to figure out at what pace do they want to bring him back? And when do they feel comfortable with him back?”

“It’s not just going to be, he gets cleared for practice after two major injuries and then just goes into playing,” Charania said. “There will be a ramp-up period. I would look somewhere in the December-January range for his return. But the Warriors will be cautious.”

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The only relief that the Warriors have right now in Klay’s absence is Jordan Poole’s performance. He has been excellent in the preseason and is going to be the filler for Klay. But that will probably not be enough for another shot at the title. Only Thompson’s return will.

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READ MORE: ‘Has to Pick Up’: Warriors’ Head Coach Steve Kerr Reveals the One Area Jordan Poole Needs to Work on