Golden State Warriors Give Update On Gary Payton II's Status
After he signed with the Portland Trail Blazers this past offseason, the Golden State Warriors reacquired Gary Payton II at the trade deadline this year.
However, Payton ended up failing his physical examination as a result of a core muscle injury he had addressed ahead of the start of the season as a member of the Trail Blazers.
No timetable was given originally on when he could possibly return, but there was speculation that Payton may not be ready to make his season debut with the Warriors until near the end of the regular season or in the playoffs.
On Monday night, the Warriors gave an update on Payton's progress and recovery timeframe.
"Warriors guard Gary Payton II, who has not played since being acquired by the team from the Portland Trail Blazers on February 1 due to a right adductor injury, was re-evaluated in recent days. The re-evaluation indicated that Payton II is making good progress. In addition to daily physical rehab work with the team's training staff -- which is designed to strengthen his adductor/core -- he has started various on-court activities (shooting, etc.) and will begin to intensify the on-court workouts in the coming days. He will be re-evaluated again in 10 days." - Warriors PR
This is definitely good news for the Warriors and Gary Payton II, as he could potentially return before the end of the regular season.
Golden State has struggled defensively this season and Payton made a name for himself with the Warriors last season on that end of the court, ultimately helping them claim their fourth title in the last eight seasons.
Should they be able to get Gary Payton II back out on the floor in time for the postseason, the defending champions will be adding a key, impact player to their roster.
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