Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II is out at least three weeks — which is when he’ll be reevaluated — after sustaining a grade 2 left hamstring strain on Tuesday vs. Orlando, Golden State announced in a press release (via Twitter).
In just his second game back from a right calf strain that sidelined him for 13 contests, Payton exited Tuesday’s win in the third quarter due to the hamstring injury. He didn’t return to the game.
The injury occurred as Payton was defending Magic guard Cole Anthony while he brought the ball up the court. The Warriors guard fell awkwardly as he looked to avoid a screen set by Paolo Banchero (Twitter video link via NBC Sports Bay Area).
Payton has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his career, including being limited to just 22 games in 2022/23. The 31-year-old defensive stalwart was a key member of Golden State’s championship run in ’21/22.
Payton is earning $8.7MM this season and holds a $9.1MM player option for ’24/25.
Why so many injuries???? Cant be just coincidence. This one is one of those nagging injuries, so it will be awhile before GP2 plays.
It’s the other leg, so not sure it qualifies as “nagging.”
That type of injury is nagging (muscle strains). If you don’t rest long enough it can just come right back.