The long-awaited return of Klay Thompson, just got its most recent update. And who better to hear it from than Klay himself? He joined Mark Jackson and Ryen Ruocco on ESPN’s broadcast during the Warriors and Pelicans game on Friday night, while riding a stationary bike.

They asked him several questions, including how he was doing in his rehab process and he said, "I'm feeling great, just working every day like I have been the last two years.” It is a great sign to still see Klay in good spirits, as the road to recovery can be a long one. Especially for someone who hasn’t seen the court since 2019. He added to the good news saying, “And I'm playing 3-on-3 and just getting back into the tip-top game shape."

This ramp up in productivity is exactly what fans want to hear, as the Warriors haven’t set a clear date for him to be back just yet. Nor has he been cleared to fully practice, but getting reps against other people, even if it’s only five others, is a good step in the right direction. The key for him should be to just get used to the contact and physicality of the game first, as we all know his jump shot will naturally come back over time. We also know this is true because he has been seen on social media, warming up before games in full uniform, draining loads of shots, especially corner threes.

He has preached over his two-year hiatus that basketball is his life, so this time off has him anxious to get back on the court and help his team win. Thankfully, during the interview he gave us an insight on how he has been dealing with the time away from the game. He said, “When basketball isn’t present in my life, it’s hard to fulfil that hole, so the water, the ocean, and Rocco, those are the things that make me the happiest.” Many fans will have noticed that he has been posting all three of those things very often on social media, and Klay looked on the bright side saying, “And luckily I’m able to experience those things every day.”

That is a great mentality to have when dealing with such a setback, as a high-spirited and healthy Klay would give the already rolling Warriors a morale boost come playoff time. Many analysts have already taken notice, with Stephen A. Smith saying, “It’s official! I’m picking the Golden State Warriors to win the championship!” He highlighted the fact that they are playing so well without Klay and Wiseman, so the league should be scared for when they return. And as of tonight, that return date just got one step closer for the second splash brother.

(Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski/Associated Press)