Klay Thompson's Heartfelt Gesture: Presenting Championship Ring to the Doctor Who Saved His Career

Klay Thompson, the Dallas Mavericks guard, recently made headlines not for his performance on the court, but for a heartfelt gesture off it. After the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Mavericks 107-99, Thompson took a moment to honor the man who played a crucial role in his return to basketball: Dr. Richard Ferkel.

Dr. Ferkel, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, was instrumental in helping Thompson recover from a torn Achilles tendon in November 2020. The injury occurred just after Thompson had already missed a portion of the previous season due to a torn ACL in his left knee during Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors.

Thompson, who averaged 20.4 points during the 2022 regular season and 19 points during the postseason, played a key role in the Golden State Warriors' championship victory over the Boston Celtics. To show his gratitude, he presented Dr. Ferkel with a championship ring.

"Oh my gosh, this is unbelievable," Dr. Ferkel exclaimed as he received the ring.

Thompson, visibly emotional, expressed his thanks:

**"Without you, I would not have been the second-leading scorer on a championship team. ... I can't thank you enough, are you kidding me? I didn't even think that was possible."

Dr. Ferkel's expertise isn't just limited to Thompson; he also treated Stephen Curry for multiple ankle sprains in 2012, further cementing his reputation as a pivotal figure in the NBA's medical community.

Since his return to the court on January 9, 2022, against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Thompson has shown flashes of his former self, though he is currently averaging 13.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and two assists this season with the Mavericks.

This touching moment serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of medical professionals who help athletes overcome career-threatening injuries and return to the game they love.