San Francisco, CA – It's been a long journey back to the court for Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson. His last game was in the 2019 NBA Finals. He scored 30 points before exiting the game with an ACL injury in the third quarter. It's been two years since that day, and the word patience has taken on a new meaning for the three-time NBA champion.

“You got to be patient with your body. Your mind knows you can do things that you're always used to doing but sometimes the human body, you snap a ligament or two, and that rehab process is a long one. You have to be like water and just let that frustration roll off your back, especially when you want to come back and be one of the greats,” Thompson told ClutchPoints.

When Thompson put on his jersey for Media Day, you could see a childish level of excitement on his face. It was the same look a rookie has when he wears his jersey for the first time. Since Thompson last wore his No. 11 jersey, many young faces have joined the Warriors. Thompson was asked if it felt like this was a different team.

“Not really…The bench has obviously changed. It's like a revolving door in the NBA. It's a business. Jordan Poole is in his third year. I remember when he was my rookie. Where has the time gone? It gives me a lot of life to see these young guys. It reminded me when me, Steph, and Draymond came on board and how everything was so fresh and how every night was a big opportunity. There's still a ton of familiarity between the core guys who have been here, and luckily for us, these guys are willing to do whatever it takes to win.”

Winning is the number one goal for this Warriors team, and once they are at full strength, nobody will want to see them down the road. But this hungry Warriors group will be hunting the league down one by one. Warriors fans should be excited about this season.