The Golden State Warriors provided an encouraging update on the condition of Gary Payton II, who is dealing with a core muscle injury.
The versatile guard hasn’t played since returning to the Warriors via a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers in February. However, it seems his first appearance in a Golden State uniform could happen soon, as he is progressing well with his recovery.
As the reigning champions announced via their Twitter account, Gary Payton II will begin to intensify on-court workouts and will be re-evaluated next week.
In addition to daily physical rehab work with the team’s training staff, 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.
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) March 14, 2023
Gary Payton II is still dealing with a core muscle injury and hasn’t recovered from an offseason surgery yet. After failing physical tests, his trade to the Warriors was in jeopardy, but Golden State eventually decided to complete the deal.
Gary Payton II has appeared in 15 games this season, averaging 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists, and is under a three-year, $28M contract with the team. The Warriors are sixth in the West standings with a 35-33 record, while the Blazers are 13th, at 31-37.
