Bad news in Portland, even if we suspected it a little. Gary Payton II had surgery this summer and has yet to observe a period of rest, he will miss the start of the season and will be reassessed in two weeks.
NBA champion in June with the Warriors, attacker all fired up in sequence and, above all, fierce defender, Gary Payton II had been recovered during the Free Agency by the Blazers, very happy to get their hands on a guy capable of defend the land while the Lillard and co. will handle the attack. Operated on the abdominal muscles this summer, the son of Glove has still not recovered 100% and will therefore miss the start of the season with his new franchise.
Portland Trail Blazers say Gary Payton II continues to recover from an offseason procedure, but he will miss the start of the season and be re-evaluated in two weeks.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 13, 2022
The one who had 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1 hooked nose and 1.4 steal last season at Golden State will therefore attend live from the bench at the start of the season for his new teammates and will be reassessed in two weeks, just like the defense of the Blazers who could well tickle the 120 pawns conceded per game and who will then be very happy to find their sixth defensive man. Josh Hart, Jerami Grant or Nassir Little indeed seem very capable of defending but collectively… closing access to the basket does not appear to be the main strength of this team, and the acquisition of GPII goes in this direction.
So that’s one less darling for the recovery, a first problem to manage for Chauncey Billups even if we’re talking about an adjustment and not a huge drama either. The next meeting? Around November 1, therefore, in the underpants of a defender or in the Top 10, as you choose.