The Warriors are going to be without reserve Gary Payton II for some time.
In their collapse to the Kings on Nov. 28, the Warriors lost both Chris Paul and Payton to injuries. Paul is considered day-to-day, but Payton is going to be sidelined indefinitely.
The news comes at a tough time for the Warriors, who are off to an 8-10 start this season. They're currently in 11th place in the Western Conference standings, wedged between the Clippers and Jazz.
Here's the latest news on Payton's injury and when he is expected to return.
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What is Gary Payton II's injury?
Payton is listed on Golden State's injury report with a right calf strain, but according to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the guard has a torn right calf.
Payton suffered the injury in Golden State's loss to Sacramento on Nov. 28, 2023. He grabbed his right calf after chasing Kings star De'Aaron Fox around a screen, though he didn't appear to make any contact with Fox or the screener, Trey Lyles.
The Warriors called a timeout at the first opportunity. Payton exited the game and limped to the locker room.
How long will Gary Payton II be out?
Payton is out indefinitely, per Charania. The Athletic's Anthony Slater added that he will "almost assuredly miss a large chunk of the rest of the regular season."
Payton is averaging only 5.9 points in 17.3 minutes through 14 games, but his energy and defense off the bench will be sorely missed. Head coach Steve Kerr will likely fill Payton's minutes with some combination of Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and Cory Joseph.
Gary Payton II career stats
- 5.2 points per game
- 2.9 rebounds per game
- 1.1 assists per game
- 1.1 steals per game
- 0.3 blocks per game
- 0.6 turnover per game
- 54.1 percent field goal shooting
- 33.8 percent 3-point shooting
- 60.0 percent free throw shooting
