FILE PHOTO: Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) reacts after being fouled by Toronto Raptors guard Danny Green (14) during the second half in game six of the 2019 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Warriors All-Star guard Klay Thompson will miss the NBA season after tearing his right Achilles tendon during a practice game in Southern California on Wednesday, the team confirmed on Thursday.
“Klay Thompson suffered a torn right Achilles tendon, an MRI confirmed today in Los Angeles,” the Warriors said in a statement.
“He is expected to miss the 2020-21 season.”
The sharp shooting 30-year-old missed all of last season with a torn left anterior cruciate ligament that he suffered during the Finals last year and the three-time NBA champion was poised for a big season alongside fellow “Splash Brother” Stephen Curry.
While Thompson’s return to NBA action will have to wait, early indications suggest he will be able to fully heal.
“Based on the type of tear, Thompson has been told to expect that he will make a full recovery,” ESPN reported, citing a source.
There has been an outpouring of support for the well-liked Thompson from basketball community since news of the injury surfaced less than two hours before Wednesday night’s NBA draft.
“Devastating loss,” ESPN’s NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith said in a video message on Twitter.
“My heart goes out to him. Good guy, one of the greatest shooters this game has ever seen,” he said.
“Bad for him, bad for the league, bad for us not to see him out there. It’s a damn shame.”
Klay Thompson’s injury makes me sick to my stomach!! I hope he turns to league again soon 100% healthy. Just know Cookie and I are praying for you @KlayThompson 🙏🏾
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 19, 2020
After making the NBA Finals five years in a row, the Warriors posted the worst record in the league last season as Thompson and Curry were both sidelined by injuries.
The NBA regular season kicks off on Dec. 22.