While the Golden State Warriors have had a difficult start to the season, including two spells without Draymond Green on the court, one thing is certain: his teammates still have a lot of respect for him.

Green, who was suspended for five games for choking Rudy Gobert and then indefinitely for punching Jusuf Nurkic in the face, is scheduled to return to the Warriors soon after being reinstated.

Green’s teammates have been nothing but complimentary since his return, and Klay Thompson is the latest to speak out about the impact he has when he isn’t on the court.

“We missed him terribly, and we won’t be the same until he’s back in the lineup, but we’re looking forward to seeing him again.” “He’s obviously the backbone and heart and soul of this team, so I’m looking forward to just playing and being out there with Draymond again, and he’ll be a difference maker,” Thompson told reporters.

Green has missed the last 13 games since colliding with Nurkic on December 12, a game the Warriors lost 119-116. The Warriors are 7-7 since the incident, including the loss to the Suns.

Green should be able to swiftly reintegrate into the game, and the team will be hoping he can offer a spark since they have already lost five of their past seven games coming into Wednesday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.