Overview of Klay Thompson's Injury History
Klay Thompson, one of the premier shooting guards in the NBA, suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. That injury caused him to miss the entire 2019–2020 season. Just as he was preparing to return for the 2020–21 season, he tore his right Achilles tendon during a pickup game in November 2020. This back‑to‑back devastating injuries kept him sidelined for two and a half years. The 2021 calendar year became the most critical phase of his rehabilitation, with the ultimate goal of returning to the court for the 2021–22 season.
January – March 2021: Early Recovery Phase
In the first months of 2021, Thompson's focus was on regaining basic mobility after Achilles repair surgery. Reports in January indicated he was walking without crutches and had started light physiotherapy. The Warriors' medical staff emphasized a cautious approach to avoid any re‑injury. By February, he was able to perform stationary shooting drills while seated, a sign that his upper body strength remained intact. In March, team sources shared that Thompson had graduated to pool therapy and stationary bike work, gradually adding resistance to strengthen the calf muscle.
During this period, Golden State was competing in the 2020–21 season without Thompson. The team missed the playoffs, which perhaps gave Thompson more time to focus on his rehab without the pressure of a deep postseason run.
April – June 2021: Progressive On-Court Work
By April, Thompson was cleared for on‑court activities including spot‑up shooting and light dribbling drills. He was not yet running at full speed, but he could move laterally with controlled intensity. In May, videos surfaced from the Warriors' practice facility showing Thompson knocking down three‑pointers consistently, a positive sign that his shooting touch had not abandoned him. He also began running on an anti‑gravity treadmill to reduce joint stress while building cardiovascular endurance.
Throughout the spring, the Warriors provided periodic updates without specific timelines. Head coach Steve Kerr repeatedly stressed that the team would not rush Thompson back, prioritizing his long‑term health over any short‑term gains.
July – September 2021: Full Basketball Workload
The summer of 2021 was pivotal. In July, reports confirmed that Thompson was cleared for full‑court drills, including half‑court scrimmages with assistant coaches and young players. He participated in the Warriors' summer league activities as a mentor while also getting extra conditioning work. By August, he was playing five‑on‑five basketball with minimal restrictions. The team's medical staff was encouraged by his progress, noting that his explosiveness and lateral movement had returned to a high percentage of his pre‑injury level.
In September, Thompson traveled with the team for training camp and began practicing with the Santa Cruz Warriors, the team's G League affiliate, to get additional reps. The coaching staff designed specific drills to test his conditioning and agility. By the end of training camp, Thompson was participating in almost all team drills, though he was still held out of preseason games as a precaution.
October – December 2021: Final Preparations and Scrimmages
October saw Thompson continue integrating with the first unit in practice. He took part in simulated game scenarios, facing defensive pressure from teammates. The Warriors announced that he would not travel for road games initially, instead staying back for extra work. In November, Thompson began practicing with the full roster and was cleared for contact scrimmages. Media reports indicated that his speed and defensive footwork had improved significantly over the previous months.
By December, Thompson was practicing without any limitations. He scrimmaged fully, including back‑to‑back days, to test his recovery. The team set a target for his return in early January 2022, pending final medical clearance. The anticipation among fans and teammates grew as the date approached. Thompson himself expressed confidence in his ability to return to an elite level.
The Comeback: January 9, 2022
Although this tag covers updates from 2021, the culmination of the work done that year came on January 9, 2022, when Klay Thompson made his return to an NBA game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He scored 17 points in 20 minutes, electrifying the Chase Center crowd with a trademark catch‑and‑shoot three‑pointer early in the game. The successful return was a testament to the rigorous rehab and the support of the Warriors organization throughout 2021.
Thompson went on to help the Warriors win the 2022 NBA Championship, playing a vital role as a floor spacer and perimeter defender. The injury updates from 2021 documented the painstaking process that made that championship possible.
Key Points in Klay Thompson's 2021 Rehab Timeline
- November 2020: Achilles injury suffered; surgery performed.
- January 2021: Walking without crutches; physiotherapy begins.
- March 2021: Pool therapy and stationary bike; light shooting drills.
- May 2021: On‑court shooting; anti‑gravity treadmill running.
- July 2021: Cleared for full‑court scrimmages.
- September 2021: Training camp participation; G League practices.
- November 2021: Full contact scrimmages without restrictions.
- January 9, 2022: Regular season return vs. Cavaliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Klay Thompson get injured in 2020? He tore his Achilles tendon on November 18, 2020, during a workout.
How long did it take Klay Thompson to recover from the Achilles injury? He missed the entire 2020‑21 season and returned on January 9, 2022, a recovery period of about 14 months.
Was Klay Thompson's return successful? Yes, he returned to play a key role for the Warriors, helping them win the 2022 NBA Finals.