Gary Payton II Out Indefinitely With Torn Right Calf
The Golden State Warriors took a big loss against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, blowing a 24-point lead. But near the end of the third quarter, Gary Payton II exited with a leg injury, limping to the locker room.
It was later confirmed Wednesday that he tore his right calf and would be out indefinitely, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Although he hasn’t been huge on offense this season, averaging just 5.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game, he will be missed defensively. Players like Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga will need to step up in his absence, though it seems like head coach Steve Kerr doesn’t like giving them minutes at times. With the Warriors sitting at 8-10, this injury comes at a bad time, as the team needs a positive momentum swing.
Ever since his important role during the 2021-22 championship run, Payton II has battled injuries. When he was traded to Portland the season after, he suffered a core muscle injury that sidelined him for all but 22 games. He was traded back to Golden State at the trade deadline, but it was put on hold because he failed the physical since his core muscle injury may have been worse than initially thought. He was playing through pain during his time in Portland and that wasn’t revealed during the negotiation process.
The Warriors staff should take this injury very seriously. Payton II has become a key role player on this team and his locker-room presence is important as well. He has played through pain in the past, and there is no need for him to do that again.
The Warriors have good young talent that needs minutes. If this team can make the playoffs or sneak into the play-in, it would be ideal to have Payton II back and as healthy as possible.
