When will Gary Payton II return from injury for Golden State Warriors? Latest update on former champion's comeback status
Gary Payton II's return to the Golden State Warriors could be coming as soon as Sunday, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. After being acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers at the NBA trade deadline last month, Payton has yet to take the court for the Warriors.
Payton was one of the most crucial parts of the Golden State Warriors' championship run last season. A versatile player who can impact the game on both sides of the floor, Payton was signed last offseason by the Trail Blazers. But the Warriors re-acquired the talented guard in a shocking deal last month.
Payton has been battling a right adductor injury throughout the entire season. With Golden State (38-36) fighting for playoff seeding in the Western Conference, his return could give the team a valuable boost.
Gary Payton II could join the Warriors lineup as soon as Sunday vs. Minnesota, team says.
Golden State Warriors issue update on Gary Payton II return to court
The Golden State Warriors are looking to improve their Western Conference playoff seeding. The return of Gary Payton II could be crucial to that effort.
Golden State has been desperately looking for defensive help this season. Throughout last season, Payton stood out with his energy in the Warriors' rotation. The athletic guard was a valuable piece of Golden State's success, and his brief departure was felt in the team's up-and-down performance this year.
Last season, Payton earned an extended spot in the Warriors' rotation. He averaged 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game in just 17.6 minutes. After signing with the Trail Blazers this offseason, Payton appeared in just 15 games, averaging 4.1 ppg in 17.0 mpg.
INJURY UPDATE: Gary Payton II, who has not played since being acquired by the Warriors due to right adductor rehabilitation, was re-evaluated yesterday.
The re-evaluation indicated Gary continues to make good progress. https://t.co/jwiu2pUf8V
Golden State picked up a crucial win on Wednesday night against the Dallas Mavericks. The Warriors are in sixth place in the Western Conference, but remain just one game behind the Phoenix Suns (38-34) for fourth place.
The Warriors have won four of their last seven games and are eying a crucial upcoming part of their schedule. With just eight games remaining, Golden State won't have room to experience a bad stretch. The Warriors are preparing for a four-game homestand that will start on Friday night against the Philadelphia 76ers (49-23).
The Warriors will welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves (37-37) on Sunday, which could be Gary Payton II's return to the court. The rest of their homestand will feature games against the New Orleans Pelicans (35-37) and San Antonio Spurs (19-54).