2 min read • May 15, 2022
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Steve Kerr gave Warriors fan and bettors hope for a conference finals return for Gary Payton II on Sunday.
Kerr, who himself just cleared health and safety protocols, said the Warriors have yet to rule out Payton II for the next round, while also saying they're not expecting him to be back, calling his availability a “longshot.”
Payton II suffered a fractured left elbow with minor ligament damage on May 3 but was able to avoid surgery, putting his projected recovery timeline at four-to-six weeks, according to our ProBasketballDocs.
The 28-year-old also spoke to reporters on Sunday, adding that he has yet to put a target date for his return. He said the one thing he needs most is time, but is feeling progress in his recovery.
The West Finals are scheduled to tip-off on Wednesday, May 18, with Game 7 set for Monday, May 30, 27 days since Payton's injury.
The former G-leaguer also said that he harbors no ill-will towards Dillon Brooks, whose flagrant 2 foul led to the the elbow injury, calling it a hard playoff foul.
Payton II is one of three key Warriors wings to enter the conference finals on the injury report, along with Andre Iguodala and Otto Porter Jr.
Iguodala, who hasn't played April 24 with a cervical neck strain, will be re-evaluated on Thursday, while Otto Porter Jr. missed the final game of the second round with right foot soreness.
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