Arrived this summer in Portland from Golden State, Gary Payton II, injured, had not yet played this season in the colors of the Oregon franchise. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the 1996 DPOY’s son will make his debut tonight against the Pistons.
Without a doubt, this is a comeback that should do Damian Lillard’s band good. Indeed, while Chauncy Billups’ players remain well placed in the postseason run (18 wins out of 17 losses, eighth in the Western Conference), they still retain some room for progress defensively (22nd defensive rating in the league this season ) . And since good blood can’t lie, Gary Payton II should help his team a lot in his own half.
Portland Trail Blazers swingman Gary Payton II is available to make his season debut Monday against the Detroit Pistons.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 2, 2023
On paper Portland has several guys capable of fighting in defense but the injuries of Nassir Little and then of Justise Winslow limit Chauncey Billups’ options a bit, forced every night to ask the valiant Josh Hart to get stuck with the best opponent outsider. The return to the courts of the former Dub (who recently received his 2022 champion ring) would be more than welcome. Anyone who has also passed through Bucks, Lakers and Wizards during his career should be able to bring, in addition to his defensive instincts, his experience of important positions as well as his energy and intensity (enough to fill some Top 10 by the way). A more than precious help to reach the goal of the Playoffs in Oregon.
Against an opponent like the Pistons, the debut tonight should be regular for Gary Payton II. Against the Wolves of Anthony Edwards and the Pacers of Tyrese Haliburton and Benedict Mathurin in the days to come, however, the former Warrior could quickly be called to strengthen the defense of the Blazers.
Text source: Shams Charania / The Athletic
