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ESPN Senior Writer- Co-author, Pro Basketball Prospectus series
- Formerly a consultant with the Indiana Pacers
- Developed WARP rating and SCHOENE system
All eyes have been on Klay Thompson since the Golden State Warriors star returned to the lineup on Jan. 9. It's not just that Thompson is a beloved member of the Warriors' three title teams, making his comeback game (aka "Klay Day") so important that Draymond Green started the game despite an injury that has sidelined him since.
The stakes involved also couldn't be higher. As Thompson tries to regain his form after the unprecedented back-to-back gut punch of tearing his Achilles just as his rehab from an ACL tear during Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals was nearing its completion, he's doing it with a Golden State team that once again has a championship on its mind.
If Thompson can become the kind of two-way contributor he was leading up to his injuries, the Warriors will be that much more complete and dangerous of a contender after already establishing themselves as one of the NBA's top teams without him.
Now that we're eight games into Thompson's return, it's time to take a look at what we've seen from him so far, digging into the advanced stats with additional perspective from his teammates and coaches.
