Steve Kerr Believes Klay Thompson Will Be Ready for Game 1 of NBA Finals

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Klay Thompson, as we all know, is the compliment to the best shooter in the NBA, Stephen Curry. Thompson is a great shooter and play-maker in his own right. He posted a record breaking 38 points in the 3rd quarter versus the Kings earlier this season. He is a player that makes is very hard for opponents to guard the three point line, and in general, a nightmare for defenders.

In Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, Klay Thompson suffered an unintentional knee to the head from a hustle play by Trevor Ariza. It was a scary thought that Klay was eventually cleared to play the rest of the game because he was eventually diagnosed with a concussion only a few days later.

It was a mistake by Warriors team doctors to clear him to finish out the game for the Warriors, but regardless, head coach Steve Kerr believes that Klay will be ready for Game 1 versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. Excerpt is from Ethan Strauss of ESPN.com,

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is expected to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, according to coach Steve Kerr. “He’s doing well,” Kerr said after practice Saturday at the team’s facility. “I’m anticipating he’s going to be there.” …

Asked if he is preparing for Thompson’s absence, Kerr said he was planning only for Thompson to be in the lineup. Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers is Thursday.

“I expect him there,” Kerr repeated.

This statement could come to hurt Kerr if Thompson is not ready to play in Game 1. The NBA has a very strict protocol for concussions and clearing players. Within the protocol it states,

The return to participation protocol involves several steps of increasing exertion — from a stationary bike, to jogging, to agility work, to non-contact team drills.

At the same time, I personally feel Kerr would not make this statement if he wasn’t confident Klay is improving everyday and heading in the right direction. Kerr is the coach of this team and is around the player far more than us writers and reporters.

Keep updated on Klay’s status by following our twitter: @Bballsociety_

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