The following article first appeared on BasketballNetwork.net:

The Golden State Warriors recently called up Klay Thompson from the G League, sending signals that his return might be just around the corner. Reports reveal that Thompson even hit a game-winning shot in one of the scrimmages. 

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Friday that Thompson is targeting early January for a return. The Warriors themselves have not announced an exact day. Earlier this month, Thompson echoed the same sentiment, noting that he is still a work in progress. Recently, forward Draymond Green chimed in on the matter, easing the expectations in regards to Thompson’s headspace.

“So I just kind of stay here, stay focused, try not to anticipate that, try to let him work on his own terms," Green said via NBC Sports. "One thing I know about being hurt... you start to feel the anticipation of everyone around you in the circle when that starts to mount up, and the reality is that I don’t think he should feel that. I don’t really think that’s fair to him and his process, his mentals. He may not be ready mentally, right? His body can be great but is he ready tomorrow mentally? He could not be."

Green’s comments are more precautious compared to Thompson’s, who has said he does not fear getting hurt again; it seems the former Defensive Player of the Year is simply trying to put himself in Thompson’s shoes. Missing two years of action can affect an athlete’s mindset. Apart from this, Green is aware that the guard is getting battered with questions every day on his return, and the pressure could mount as a result. And so, for Green, the proper attitude is to remain calm and patiently see things develop.

“So I don’t want him to feel that anxiety and that pressure that I know comes with it when everybody’s looking like, “Oh man, he about to be back. Hey Klay, you back?’ That anxiety, it adds up and it weighs on you," Green said. "So, no, I’m not anticipating it all but I am very excited about it. When they set a date, I’ll anticipate that date. Until then, I try to keep my hopes very even-keeled.”

Green’s approach may be the right way to view Thompson’s impending return. Once he comes back, the Warriors may not even field Thompson his usual workload. Instead, expect the team to hold his hand as he wades through the water. It would be foolish to throw him right in and expect him to run laps.

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