The Golden State Warriors have been one of the best teams of the young NBA season. They’re tied with the Utah Jazz for the best record in the Western Conference and got off to a solid 4-0 start of the year.
Steve Kerr’s side has regained its top-notch defensive identity. Moreover, they’re almost at full strength and several players have stepped up offensively, so they finally look like a real contender again.
And, according to coach Kerr, a big part of the Warriors’ solid start of the season has been thanks to one of its players. Surprisingly, he’s not talking about Stephen Curry or Draymond Green but about Gary Payton II.
Steve Kerr Says Gary Payton II Is The Warriors’ Secret Weapon
“He’s just a great weapon to have, defensively especially, but he’s also hitting his threes this year,” Kerr told NBC Sports.“So he has worked hard on his shot, dynamic defensively. Ready every single night. Always cheering everybody on. He’s a guy you can play 20 minutes or zero and he’s still got the same energy, the same life. He’s just a great guy to have on the team, great teammate.”
Steve Kerr has subbed Gary Payton II in for the final defensive possession of a quarter three times in the season's first six games. Payton has created a steal all three times.
Curry agreed with his coach and also showered Payton in praise, talking about how much he’s improved his shot to be a more efficient contributor to what he was during his first stint at the Bay:
“Defensively he gives us an edge,” Steph said. “And then he knocked down two 3s, which was huge. If he’s going to get open shots, he has to take them. We just want him to stay locked in, stay competitive and stay focused on when his moment comes and show he can do it.”
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Payton II may not be as good as a player as his father was but he definitely inherited that defensive prowess. Hopefully, his role willgrow as the season goes by and the Warriors continue to make a playoff push.
