Tag: Gary Payton II

Injury Report: Warriors’ Gary Payton II out for play-in game vs. Kings

The Warriors will be without a key piece in the second unit for the play-in tournament.

In a win-or-go-home play-in tournament game on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings, the Golden State Warriors will be without a key contributor off the bench.

On Monday, Steve Kerr announced Gary Payton II will miss Tuesday’s game against the Kings. Along with missing Tuesday’s elimination game in Sacramento, Kerr ruled out Payton II for Golden State’s second play-in game on Friday if the Warriors were to win and advance.

Via @kendra__andrews on Twitter:

Payton II was sidelined for the Warriors’ final three games of the regular season with a calf injury. Payton II has played 44 games this season, averaging 5.5 points on 56.3% shooting from the field with 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 15.5 minutes off the bench.

With Payton II out, the Warriors will likely use Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody alongside Chris Paul in their second-unit backcourt.

The Warriors will meet the Kings at 7 p.m. PT in the first round of the play-in tournament on Tuesday evening. While the loser’s season will be over, the winner will advance to play the loser of the No. 7 seed New Orleans Pelicans and No. 8 seed Los Angeles Lakers.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! 

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Steve Kerr praises two key veteran role players

Steve Kerr had some high praise for two of his veteran role players following the Golden State Warriors win over the Utah Jazz.

When you think of the Golden State Warriors, you instantly think of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Chris Paul. Yet, it was Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney who received praise following their roles in the Warriors’ win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday (April 7).

Head coach Steve Kerr praised his two veteran role players when speaking to the media after the game. He noted how their play styles are important to the roster and how both players can be relied upon night in and night out.

“I love watching Gary play,” Kerr said. “There’s an energy about him. He also makes the right play. Constantly catching the ball and swinging it. That’s the way he can dive and finish at the rim. He’s a terrific player. I thought Loon was great tonight. He’s been out of the rotation quite a bit. I hated ending his consecutive-game streak. It was awful. But we did what we needed to do to get our team going…Now, he’s played the last five games…Really fun to see him out there.”

Looney and Payton II have been in and out of Golden State’s rotation this season due to lineup management or injury. Nevertheless, both veterans have been impactful on the court when healthy and in the rotation.

Golden State will need their role players to continue stepping up in the coming weeks. The franchise has a tough road to the playoffs, with two play-in tournament games potentially on the horizon.

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Gary Payton II discusses Steve Kerr’s contract extension

Gary Payton II shared his thoughts on Steve Kerr’s two-year contract extension.

On Friday (Feb. 23), ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Steve Kerr has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $35 million. The deal will make him the highest-paid coach in the NBA. As you would expect, Kerr’s new deal was a significant talking point during post-game interviews following the Golden State Warriors victory over the Hornets.

During his media availability, Gary Payton II discussed Kerr’s contract extension and the veteran head coach’s impact on his career. Payton II also credited Kerr for giving him his first real chance in the NBA and showing trust in his abilities throughout his career.

“Congrats to coach Steve, well deserved,” Payton II said. “Shout out to Mike Dunleavy for getting it done. Coach actually gave me my first shot, my first real shot…He told me, just be me, do what you do. We’re not worried about offensively. Just find your spots as time comes. Other than that, he literally just threw me in the fire. I ain’t have nobody. No organization or coaching staff gave me that confidence. He gave me that when I first got here. It ended up working out. I’m here today. I appreciate him and all the guys who believed in him and told him I could play and I can hoop.”

Payton II has dealt with two separate injuries this season. Now that he’s back in the rotation, he’s making an impact for the Warriors on the defensive end. Golden State will undoubtedly be hoping that he remains healthy moving forward due to his importance in the team’s second unit.

Golden State has now won eight of their last 10 games. They’re aiming to break into the top six of the Western Conference. If they continue on their current trajectory, they will put themselves in with a good chance of achieving that goal.

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Injury Report: Warriors’ Gary Payton II cleared to return vs. Suns on Saturday

The Golden State Warriors are set to get a boost with the return of a key player on Saturday against the Phoenix Suns.

After a successful 4-1 road swing, the Golden State Warriors will welcome Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and the Phoenix Suns to Chase Center on Saturday evening in San Francisco. When they face the high-powered Suns, the Warriors should get a boost with the return of a key player.

Following a 14-game absence due to a left hamstring strain, Gary Payton II has been cleared to return to the court. Chris Paul remains the only player ruled out for Saturday’s prime-time matchup against the Suns.

Via @anthonyVslater on X:

In 16 games, Payton is averaging 5.4 points on 45.6% shooting from the field with three rebounds in 16.3 minutes per game. Payton will slide in behind Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in Golden State’s reserve backcourt with Brandin Podziemski, Lester Quinones and Moses Moody.

The Warriors will tip off against the Suns at 5:30 p.m. PT on Saturday in San Francisco.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and X! 

Gary Payton II hints at potential return against Suns on Instagram

Gary Payton II shared a potential teaser regarding his return to the Golden State Warriors rotation on Instagram.

Gary Payton II has missed the Golden State Warriors last 16 games. He has been dealing with a hamstring injury he sustained when playing the Orlando Magic on Jan. 2. He had only been back in the rotation for two games after overcoming a calf injury that had kept him out for a 13-game stretch in November and December.

However, it would appear the veteran wing is nearing a return. In fact, Payton may have teased when his first game back will be by posting an image to Instagram. In the post, Payton can be seen standing at halfcourt while playing against the Phoenix Suns. The Warriors are set to play Phoenix on Saturday.

Golden State has looked like a vastly improved team in recent weeks. Payton return would help solidify the rotation and provide some additional defensive stability.

Listen, if this is Gary dropping hints that he’s making his return against the Suns on Saturday…
byu/taygads inwarriors

We will likely get an update regarding Payton’s return ahead of the Suns game. However, it’s clear he will be back on the floor sooner rather than later, and that will likely be welcomed news to the Warriors coaching staff.

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Steve Kerr doesn’t expect Warriors to trade two key veterans

Steve Kerr isn’t expecting either veteran to be moved at the trade deadline due to difficulty in replacing their talent.

The Feb. 8 trade deadline is just over a week away. The Golden State Warriors have been rumored to be actively seeking opportunities to upgrade their roster following a tough first half of the season.

Yet, given the talent and veteran experience within the locker room, it’s hard to pinpoint where a legitimate talent upgrade will come from.

During a recent interview with “Willard & Dibs” on 95.7 The Game, Steve Kerr noted it’s unlikely Golden State looks to move on from Chris Paul or Gary Payton II. Both veterans have dealt with injuries in recent months, but could provide significant upside once they return to the rotation.

“We’re not gonna find better players than those guys in a trade,” Kerr said. “It’s exceedingly rare to make a deal to where you can upgrade your talent to that level. I’m excited about getting those guys back, Moses, too. … I think a deal is almost always unlikely, but that doesn’t mean a deal won’t happen. That’s Mike’s job anyway. It’s not anything that I concern myself with. Mike will call me and keep me in the loop if something’s going on.”

Paul is widely viewed as one of the Warriors’ primary trade chips. The final year of his contract, which kicks in after the current season ends, is not guaranteed, which could be enticing to multiple teams around the NBA.

However, with the Warriors looking to get their season back on track, they will likely value Paul’s leadership and skill set more than moving his money off the books within the next week.

Kerr recently settled on a new frontcourt trio of Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and Jonathan Kuminga, and early signs are encouraging. As such, the Warriors may choose to stand pat and let their roster get healthy rather than making a move at the deadline.

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Gary Payton II excites fans with workout video on Instagram

The Golden State Warriors veteran is working on a return from injury.

Gary Payton II has endured a difficult season for the Golden State Warriors due to multiple injuries. The veteran wing is recovering from his latest injury, a left hamstring strain. Payton also missed 13 games due to a calf injury earlier in the season.

However, the veteran wing has begun teasing a potential return to the rotation. In a recent post on the “Jetsthetics_” Instagram page titled “Bounce Back,” Payton can be seen putting the work in, both in the gym and on the basketball court.

Payton has participated in 16 games for the Warriors this season. He’s averaging 5.4 points and 3 rebounds, shooting 45.6% from the field and 28.1% from 3-point range. Payton’s defense has been sorely missed, and Steve Kerr will likely be pleased when he can welcome him back into the Warriors rotation, as he will provide a significant boost to the bench unit.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2QtB9sPyhv/?igsh=MXU5c2dveHFvb3BuZg%3D%3D

You can watch the full video by clicking on the embedded link above.

Injury report: Gary Payton II to miss several weeks

The Golden State Warriors will be without Gary Payton II for ‘several weeks’ following his latest injury setback.

Gary Payton II injured his left hamstring during the Golden State Warriors win over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday. He was playing in his second game since returning to the rotation following a calf injury that had kept him out of the rotation for 13 games.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Payton will miss several weeks as he begins his recovery from his latest injury setback. Payton’s injury issues this season have hit the Warriors hard. His presence off the team’s bench adds balance to their defensive and offensive systems.

Payton has participated in 16 games this season, averaging 5.4 points and 3 rebounds while shooting 45.6% from the field and 28.1% from 3-point range. His ability to guard multiple positions and use his athleticism when switching in the half court are important aspects to how Steve Kerr wants his team to play on the defensive end.

The Warriors will be unlikely to rush Payton II back from his latest setback. Their focus will be on having him healthy for a late push to qualify for the playoffs.

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Chris Paul discusses Gary Payton II’s latest injury setback

Chris Paul discussed the impact of Gary Payton II’s latest injury setback for the Golden State Warriors.

During the Golden State Warriors win over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, Gary Payton II suffered a hamstring strain in the third quarter. The veteran wing was playing in his second game since returning from a right calf strain.

When speaking to the media following the game, Chris Paul discussed his teammates’ latest injury setback. Paul noted Payton is an important member of Golden State’s rotation, and his absence is felt on both ends of the court. Payton has missed 17 games over two separate injury absences and is likely to be sidelined for another lengthy stretch as he recovers from his latest setback.

“He’s such a big part of our team,” Paul said. “People may not realize it, but his energy is consistent every day — every practice, every game. Him coming back has been huge for us. So I hope whatever it is isn’t going to take a long time. I think for him, it’s going to be about getting as healthy as possible.”

Payton has suited up for the Warriors on 16 occasions this season. He’s averaging 5.4 points and 3 rebounds per game while shooting 45.6% from the field and 28.1% from 3-point range.

When healthy, Payton provides explosiveness and defense across both guard positions and on the wing. His versatility is key to how Kerr wants his team to play, and his presence off the bench provides a steadying factor for some of the team’s younger players.

Warriors fans must hope Payton’s injury isn’t serious enough to keep him out of the rotation for a prolonged period. Golden State needs all hands on deck if it is going to get its season on track.

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Injury Report: Warriors’ Gary Payton II exits game vs. Magic with hamstring injury

The Warriors guard exited Tuesday’s game against the Magic with a hamstring injury.

In search of their first win of the 2024 calendar year, the Golden State Warriors will have to close out the Orlando Magic without a key piece in the rotation.

In the third quarter, Gary Payton II appeared to stumble on the court while playing defense on Magic guard Cole Anthony. Payton II quickly exited the game and left to the locker room.

Via @NBCSWarriors on Twitter:

Payton II was later ruled out for the remainder of the contest due to a left hamstring strain.

Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:

Payton II recently returned to the court on Saturday after missing 13 games due to a right calf strain.

Without Payton II, the Warriors will continue to lean on young guards Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody in the backcourt alongside Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! 

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