Klay Thompson shares why he’s having a hard time watching NBA playoffs

The Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns are getting set to face off in the NBA Finals, but one All-Star guard might not be tuning in to watch much of the series.

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson has missed the past two seasons due to serious injuries. He tore an ACL in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, which forced him to sit out of the 2019-2020 season.

It looked like Thompson was set to return for the beginning of the 2020-21 campaign, but disaster struck on the day of the 2020 NBA Draft when it was revealed that Klay suffered an Achilles injury that would keep him out for a second consecutive season.

Thompson did an Instagram Live during the long weekend and shared why he’s having difficulty watching this year’s NBA playoffs.

“Man, are you guys watching the playoffs?” Thompson said. “It’s hard for me to watch, to be honest, fellas. It’s hard for me to watch because I know if we was there, it would be a different story. But you gotta channel that energy into your workouts. That’s called life.”

The Warriors were hoping to return to contention with a healthy Thompson last season. His fellow Splash Brother — Stephen Curry — played an MVP level while capturing the NBA scoring title. Draymond Green showed he can still be one of the best defensive players in the game while Andrew Wiggins asserted himself on both ends of the floor.

Without Klay, the Warriors’ offense wasn’t nearly as potent, and the team lost both play-in games to get into the playoffs.

But if Thompson were healthy, it would have completely changed the dynamics for the team. The Warriours likely would have been able to sign a veteran or two on cheap deals last offseason and would have been in the postseason.

Thompson is one of the best shooters in NBA history. He averages 19.5 points per game for his career and shoots 41.9 percent from the 3-point line. When he comes back, the Warriors will once again have the best backcourt in the NBA.

How do you think the Warriors would have done with a healthy Klay last season?

On to some links:

It’s going to be a fascinating few weeks for the Warriors. The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami gives his take on how Myers should proceed this offseason. (Subscription required)

Former No. 1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton has had a great postseason for the Phoenix Suns. Fansided’s Nathan Beighle says Ayton’s play is helping James Wiseman’s stock.

Wiseman flashed some potential during his rookie year and has the support of his teammates going into his sophomore season. Wiseman watched some of the highlights from the Warriors’ season and had some priceless reactions when seeing Curry’s magic. (NBC Bay Area)