Gary Payton II is expected to make his Trail Blazers debut on Monday. He is not listed on the team’s injury report for their home game against Detroit (Twitter link).
Payton signed a three-year, $26MM contract with the Trail Blazers as an unrestricted free agent in July, then had core muscle surgery during the offseason. Payton was a key rotation player on the Warriors’ championship team and the Blazers anticipate that he’ll serve a similar role behind Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons.
Payton, 30, struggled to find a team that would give him a steady role until he emerged as a defensive force for Golden State. He averaged 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 71 regular season games, including 16 starts. He also appeared in 12 postseason games, including a pair of starts. Payton also played for Milwaukee, the Lakers and Washington but never appeared in more than 29 games the previous five seasons.
Portland could use the boost, as it used an eight-man rotation in its last game due to illness and injuries. Justise Winslow won’t play on Monday due to a left ankle sprain while starting center Jusuf Nurkic and reserves Keon Johnson and Greg Brown are listed as questionable due to illness.
Good to hear that he’s finally available. Good luck to him!
Portland is an early out play-in team unless they get healthy, and add some roster depth. Payton could help a good team, but his contribution will be minimal with Portland this season. Blazers have work to to do if they want to make the playoffs.
At least Portland can keep their pick if don’t go into the PO
Jazz won’t go all in for the playin so Blazers have the chance to finish with the #13 record then keep their pick and go to the playin if the Lakers & Minnie still tank for other