The Warriors have already walked back their “three-month” timeline for the return of Gary Payton II, whom they acquired at the trade deadline from Portland in a four-team deal. That’s good news for Golden State, which will need Payton’s shooting and defensive savvy in the playoffs.
Golden State initially held up the trade for Payton, requesting the league investigate the Trail Blazers alleged failure to provide pre-agreement medical information about the player, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
In a Monday news conference, Warriors general manager Bob Myers gave a more optimistic assessment of Payton’s injury.
For Golden State, Payton — who is dealing with a core muscle injury — is the perfect plug-and-play player.
The fact that Payton has experience in head coach Steve Kerr’s complex offense was a major reason for acquiring him. Myers also addressed this in Monday’s news conference:
In 2021-22 with the Warriors, Payton had the best season of his career. He averaged 7.1 points (on 61 percent shooting), 3.5 boards and 1.4 steals and became an advanced analytics darling.
In the playoffs, he led the league in steal percentage at 3.4 percent and defensive box plus/minus at 4.7. Analytically, he’s cast as one of the league’s best defenders. The eye test tells you the same.
Payton shines on the perimeter and in the playoffs, traits any team would love. That’s especially true in the Western Conference, which is so guard dominant.
A defensive unit showcasing Payton, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins will be a feared force that can lock up inside and out. Offensively, Payton is one of the league’s better cutters and finishers.
Should Payton provide the same spacing, intensity and defensive spark that he did last season, Golden State will easily forget James Wiseman, whom they traded to get Payton.
Wiseman would probably not play in the playoffs because he’s a significant defensive liability and a raw offensive talent.
Once Payton gets back on the court, he’ll be the perfect Warrior.
