Healthy GP2 says re-joining Dubs will be ‘like riding a bike’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SAN FRANCISCO — Write it in pencil, not pen, but Gary Payton II is expected to make his highly anticipated return to the court for the Warriors on Sunday at Chase Center against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Payton scrimmaged with the Warriors on Friday and was a full participant Saturday in the team’s light practice. The Warriors officially are listing him as probable, and Payton will warm up with the intention of playing.
“It feels good,” Payton said Saturday after Warriors practice. “I’m starting to feel like myself. Just excited to get out there and get back to it. I’ve missed a lot of games this year, so just ready to get back out on the court with the guys and ramp this up for the home stretch.”
The Warriors re-acquired Payton from the Portland Trail Blazers at the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline. But he hasn’t played since.
His last game actually came against the Warriors as a member of the Blazers on Feb. 8. When he arrived in San Francisco for his physical following the trade, however, Payton failed it, to the surprise of the Warriors. Payton has dealt with lingering pain from a right adductor/core injury after offseason surgery.
Finally, after missing the Warriors’ last 20 games and being out for six-plus weeks, Payton feels the healthiest he has all season.
“More and more feel like myself,” Payton said. “At the beginning of the year, working through all the little pains and little bumps and bruises from the offseason. I feel pretty good.”
Bringing Payton back undoubtedly is a major positive for the 39-36 Warriors, who continue to push for NBA playoff positioning. His return gives the Warriors a different look on both ends of the court. It also means lesser roles for a handful of players.
Now more than ever, coach Steve Kerr is preaching a “we over me” attitude for the Warriors. The defending champions need Strength in Numbers to succeed. They also need players to put the team ahead of themselves, something that’s much easier said than done.
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