It's hard not physically being able to do the things that you love. Klay Thompson knows that all too well: the Golden State Warriors guard has been away from professional basketball for more than two years now. However, the eccentric Thompson has found ways to keep himself sane and happy during his grueling rehab.

Thompson joined the ESPN booth with his former coach Mark Jackson during the Warriors' home stand against the New Orleans Pelicans. While there, the Warriors guard talked about the things that kept him going while recovering. (via WarriorsTalk)

 

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“When basketball is not present in my life, it's hard to fulfill that hole… so the water, the ocean, Rocco, those are the things that make me the happiest. Luckily, I'm able to experience that almost everyday.”

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Thompson has been the unfortunate victim of unlucky circumstances in the past few years. He first injured his ACL in the Warriors' Finals matchup against the Toronto Raptors, sidelining him for the 2019 – 2020 season. While rehabbing that injury, Thompson then suffered an Achilles injury, further derailing his chances of playing.

Despite medical advancements today making these two injuries not as career-threatening as it has been before, it still takes a damn long time before players could return to the court from these injuries. For Thompson, who has played basketball all his life, it must've been hard for him to suddenly be away from the game for a prolonged period of time. Luckily, the Warriors guard has found happiness in the other things in life, such as his boating.

Klay Thompson is nearing his long-awaited return to basketball: he's reportedly playing 3-on-3 drills now. When he comes back, expect Warriors fans to give him a much-awaited standing ovation.