3 things we learned from Golden State Warriors' media day ahead of 2021-22 NBA season

Bay Area fans are starving for any basketball content, so the Golden State Warriors' media day could not have come at a better time. There is arguably no team in the NBA at the moment whose future is more uncertain than the Warriors.

There are so many questions surrounding the recovery of Klay Thompson and James Wiseman. Moreover, we don't know if Andrew Wiggins will participate in 41 home games this season, or if he'll be traded.

The young Warriors players are excited to prove their worth playing alongside Stephen Curry. But the team's front office is still in doubt about filling the final 15th roster spot.

Coach Steve Kerr mentioned that many of these questions might not be answered immediately. But the training camp should help the team get a better picture of how they could fare during the season and their rotations.

On that note, let's dive into three things we learned from the Golden State Warriors' media day:

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#3 Klay Thompson's return timetable for Golden State Warriors is not set in stone

Klay Thompson at the Golden State Warriors Media Day

"I’m just happy to be wearing this jersey again. It feels like home." - said a grinning Klay Thompson.

It was a sight for sore eyes to see Klay Thompson in a Golden State Warriors uniform again. He sported the yellow headband for the photoshoots. His interview segment reminded us of his NBA record performance of 14 three-pointers.

Thompson said that he is around 75 to 80% into his rehab, and he will feel a lot better when he feels gets closer to 100%. He is back in the gym shooting and doing basketball-related drills.

Klay Thomspon spoke about his recovery status and what he can do on the court at the moment, saying:

"I can make a lot of jumpshots...pretty good at defensive sliding...My timing is a little off. My reaction time is not there, but that's also rusty, two years...hopefully in the next four weeks, I can play five on five again (and) one-on-one."

The Golden State Warriors predicted a Christmas return for Klay Thompson. But they are unlikely to rush Thompson into action.

Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry both spoke about the same. They know from experience that around Thanksgiving or Christmas, Thompson might be itching to go out and play 30 minutes a game because that's his 'dog-type' mentality. However, everyone acknowledged that returning from a long injury layoff requires patience. So the Warriors will do whatever is best for the 31-year-old sharpshooter.

Thompson said he doesn't have a set date for return. But he doesn't anticipate anything before 12 months since his surgery (which was in November 2020).

Meanwhile, Bob Myers and coach Steve Kerr has assured everyone that Thompson's return will be at a home game.

#2 Andrew Wiggins' vaccination status is still up in the air

Andrew Wiggins at the Golden State Warriors Media Day

Given that Andrew Wiggins is a starter for the Golden State Warriors, a lot of questions have come up regarding his vaccination status. Considering the pandemic situation, Wiggins could be forced to miss all home games if he isn't vaccinated, according to the COVID-19 laws of San Francisco.

Nobody is suggesting that Andrew Wiggins doesn't have the right to make his choices. But paying $31 million to a player for playing just half the games seems downright ridiculous. Hence, several trade rumors have started to pop up. Nut the Golden State Warriors remain optimistic that everything will get resolved before the regular season kicks off.

Steve Kerr has said he refuses to indulge in Wiggins' replacements and thinking about what would happen if he isn't present. That's because he believes the entire team will be available.

Andrew Wiggins has said he will take the vaccine if he is forced to take one by the league and the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry, a two-time MVP, said about the same:

"It's difficult...At the end of the day, it's up to him...we hope he has the right information and access to all of the right resources. We hope he's available," said Curry.

#1 Golden State Warriors are happy to have Andre Iguodala back

Andre Iguodala at the Golden State Warriors' Media Day

The 2015 Finals MVP Andre Iguodala is back in the Bay Area, so fans are understandably ecstatic.

Iguodala is 37 now, and may not provide the same production as he once used to. But his mere presence on the court and in the locker room is uplifting for the entire team. A major reason for the reunion was that he could mentor and train the young players on the roster, such as James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.

Andre Iguodala spoke about Wiseman and how the second-year center is 'asking the right questions'. Iguodala said:

"That tells me a lot about who (James Wiseman) is...But I’m really excited to be along that, whatever my short period of time with him is to help him get there...I think most importantly just making sure that he enjoys playing in the NBA..."

"There’s a lot of expectations of how a player should act, how many points he should score; how many times he should touch the ball. Like all those things just can be heavy bearing on a guy trying to please everyone. And before long you realize your career is over, and you spent your whole time trying to prove people wrong instead of just enjoying the journey."

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are also happy seeing Iguodala back in the locker room. Thompson said he still goes to Iguodala for personal matters and advice, and his presence is huge for the team. Thompson added that he hopes to see Iggy's no. 9 jersey hang in the rafters someday.

Curry is simply happy that Iguodala is back because he has been part of the Golden State Warriors' best moments in the last decade. Iguodala knows how the Warriors operate, and is familiar with the ins and outs of the team.

You can check out the Golden State Warriors' roster and preseason schedule here.

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