2 min read • May 27, 2022
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The Athletic's Shams Charania reported on Friday that Warriors' wing and top perimeter defender Gary Payton II is progressing towards a return in the Finals as soon as Game 1.
Payton II hasn't played since suffering a radial head fracture with associated ligament damage in his left elbow on May 3.
Game 1 of the Finals is on June 2, marking one month since the injury, which is in line with the ProBasketballDocs's expected recovery timeline.
The Docs are confident that he will be able to return and be an impactful player for Golden State, and he will have an SIC health score of 90 for The Finals.
While there is no guarantee that he will be available for Game 1, we can't rule out the possibility. And once he does return, he will return to his former effectiveness as a mobile defensive weapon and interior finisher.
Luckily, Payton II was able to rehab without surgery or a cast, which aren't required for this specific fracture. He was seen putting up shots at practice unencumbered by machinery on his arm a little over a week ago.
The 28-year-old started in each of his two games in the second round against the Grizzlies and averaged seven points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.8 combined steals and blocks on 72.7% shooting in the six playoff games before the injury.
Payton's return will mean more time for fellow wings Otto Porter Jr. and Andre Iguodala to get healthy.
Porter Jr. is dealing with left foot soreness that may be related to the fracture he suffered in November 2019. The Docs are unsure at this time if he will be able to suit up for Golden State in the Finals.
Veteran Iguodala has dealt with a cornucopia of injuries in what is likely his final season, the latest of which – a cervical neck strain – has kept him out since April 21.
Like Porter Jr., there is no guarantee he will be available for the Warriors, but the team has said they are hopeful for his return.
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