NBA
Gary Payton II listed as available for Trail Blazers debut Monday vs. Pistons
Portland Trail Blazers guard Gary Payton II has been listed as available for Monday's Game against the Detroit Pistons, which will be both his season debut and his Blazers debut. Payton underwent abdominal surgery in the offseason and has been out recovering ever since.
Payton was one of the breakout players of last season as a member of the Golden State Warriors. He won a roster spot over Avery Bradley at training camp and proceeded to carve out a role for himself as a defensive stopper. Payton, the son of 1996 Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton, has always excelled on that end of the floor. But last season, he not only started making 3-pointers, but thrived as a screener and finisher in the pick-and-roll.
Payton ultimately proved critical to Golden State's championship run. When he became a free agent this offseason, the Warriors, who have a historic luxury tax bill, chose not to match the offer made by Portland. That allowed Payton, who had only ever played for the minimum, to ink a three-year, $26 million deal with the Blazers.
Portland has ranked near the bottom of the NBA in defense several years in a row, but the Blazers have been slightly better this season. They rank 23rd in defense as of this writing. That's nothing to write home about, but over the past three seasons, they've never finished better than 27th.
With Payton returning, the Blazers should only continue to improve defensively. This will always be a team that wins by scoring, but Payton should be a helpful step toward the balance they've sought for years.
-
NBA28m ago
Timberwolves vs Nuggets Prediction, Picks & Odds - Game 7
-
NBA58m ago
FanDuel NBA Game 7 promo code: New users bet $5 and win to get $150 | Pickswise
-
NBA1h ago
Anthony Davis’ Role In Lakers Getting Rid Of Darvin Ham
-
NBA1h ago
Draymond Green Gets Brutally Honest About Bronny Ahead Of 2024 NBA Draft
-
NBA2h ago
What was Stephen A Smith’s passionate message to the Knicks ahead of Game 7 vs Pacers?
-
NBA3h ago
Draftkings Best NBA Showdown Picks: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets 5/19/24
-
NBA5h ago
Alec Burks Player Prop Bets: Knicks vs. Pacers | May 19
-
NBA5h ago
Mike Conley Player Prop Bets: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets | May 19