Does Sling-less Gary Payton II Mean He's Close To A Return?

Warriors fans got a glimmer of hope on Tuesday when NBC Sports Bay Area tweeted out a video of guard Gary Payton II taking shots at practice without a visible sling or cast on his injured left arm.

Gary Payton II Injury Update

However, Payton practicing without a sling or cast is par for the course in his specific recovery from the left radial head fracture he suffered on May 3, exactly two weeks ago on Tuesday. He is not expected back during the Western Conference Finals against the Mavericks, although neither Payton nor Kerr has ruled out a potential return.

On Monday, Dr. David Chao, ProFootballDoc, predicted the social media push of an unencumbered Payton.

This specific elbow fracture is often able to be repaired without surgery and without the need of a cast or sling. The key for his progress and recovery is early mobility to avoid stiffness in the bone and surrounding ligaments.

Payton practicing without a cast or sling does not indicate he is close to a return. Kerr called him a “long shot” to play in the Western Conference Finals.

The Pro Basketball Docs project he has a slight chance to return for the NBA Finals, if the Warriors advance, but he could still reinjure the elbow with a fall if it's not fully healed by then.

Sign up for notifications here to get the latest on Payton's return timeline as the playoffs progress.