The Golden State Warriors had just returned from injury with versatile guard Gary Payton II, but he has already been sidelined again with a second ailment.
Payton had just returned from a calf ailment, but a hamstring injury forced him to exit Tuesday night’s game, and Shams Charania of The Athletic has since confirmed that Payton will be out for several weeks with this injury.
This is bad news for the Warriors, but it is even more so for Payton. Payton has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons, and after working so hard to rehab his calf, he will now have to battle his way back from this hamstring ailment.
The Warriors have always been strong when Payton is on the court because his versatility on both ends lets them to accomplish a variety of things.
Payton is a lock down defender who can also play many positions on offense and is willing to take on the other team’s most difficult assignment.
Payton is a one-of-a-kind offensive weapon due to his athleticism. Even at 6’2″, Payton is a lob danger out of the dunker spot, and his shot is still developing.
When Payton is healthy and available, which will be the case for the next few weeks, this offers the Warriors a lot of versatility on both ends.
