One of the most inspirational stories in basketball, Gary Payton II grew up knowing that no matter what he did, nothing would ever come easy. He’s been a scrappy journeyman throughout his career, going undrafted out of Oregon State and signing 10-day contracts with numerous NBA teams and G League teams.

How long will it take?

It has been a long road for Gary Payton II to get to the NBA. He was undrafted out of Oregon State, spent a number of years in the G League before making his way into the NBA with the Golden State Warriors. He was able to make an impact on the team, but injuries have made it hard for him to stay healthy.

He played in 71 regular-season games, averaging 7.1 points and 3.5 rebounds. He also started 16 contests and earned the Warriors' Defensive Player of the Year award.

His play in the playoffs was outstanding as well, he tied a career-playoff-high with 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting in Game 5 of the Warriors' series with Denver. He also added five rebounds and three steals in 26 minutes of action.

Despite his struggles, he is still a valuable asset in fantasy drafts as a backup point guard who can offer plenty of help on the perimeter. He can be a great option for leagues that use two-guards, and he can also be used as a stretch four in some formats.

Unfortunately, Payton will not be able to start in the upcoming season because of a core muscle injury. His recovery continues to progress as he is slated to be reevaluated in two weeks.

While he could miss the first few months of the 2022-23 campaign, he should be ready to return to action when the Trail Blazers face the Sacramento Kings on October 19th, Phoenix Suns on November 21st and Los Angeles Lakers on January 23rd. In those games, he will average 16.0 minutes per game and should produce enough points to be an effective fantasy option in the short term.

Payton is a defensive specialist and will be a key part of the Portland Trail Blazers' perimeter defense. He has an excellent feel for the game, is a great rebounder and makes scorers uncomfortable. He also has a high level of anticipation, which allows him to be an effective off-ball player. However, his abysmal outside shooting can cause some issues in fantasy drafts. He will be a solid backup in most formats, but he will not be a top-tier starter.

When will he be ready?

While it's unlikely that Gary Payton II will return to the Golden State Warriors in 2023, he should still make an impact for Portland, where he signed a three-year deal this offseason. He has a strong shot at cracking the rotation and could become a valuable bench player as the Trail Blazers look to make a deep run in the playoffs.

The Blazers have been off to a 5-1 start this season, and they should get even better with Payton back on the court. He was a major part of the Warriors' defensive success last year, as he averaged 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.9 assists in a career-high 17.6 minutes per game.

His time in the NBA should help him develop into an even more efficient player, and he should be able to see increased minutes after his return. He should also be a key piece of Portland's bench, which is currently the fifth-best in the league according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

Hopefully Payton can play enough minutes to contribute this season, but it may take him longer than expected to fully return from his injury. He's still recovering from offseason core muscle surgery, so he'll have to build up his strength and endurance to play at the highest level.

But, he will be ready and his time in the spotlight isn't over yet. As long as he doesn't have any setbacks, he should be able to make his debut in the next few weeks.

In an effort to speed up the process, Payton II had offseason surgery in July to repair a muscle injury that he suffered in his previous season with the Warriors. He's been rehabbing since then and will be back to 100% by the end of the season, the Blazers announced Friday.

He should be ready to make his debut against his former team, the Warriors, on Friday night at Chase Center in their first meeting since signing with Portland. He'll receive his championship ring, and it's sure to bring him some added excitement.

In addition to playing a big role on the defensive end, Payton II is a great option for fantasy owners as a streamer for steals. He's been averaging 4.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 17 minutes per game this season for Portland.

Will he be ready to play?

Payton II has been a big-time defensive wing for the Warriors this season, and he was one of the key factors in their success. He’s a unique player in that he plays like a power forward in a point guard’s body and is tough to defend. He’s also unselfish, which is a big asset for any team.

He’s had an up and down career, but he’s had some great moments. He was named an Associated Press All-Star in his final college season at Oregon State and was even a two-time first-team All-Pac-12 pick. But he went undrafted and had to work his way through the G League before finally making it to the NBA.

In 2022, he signed with the Trail Blazers and has been a key part of the team’s success. He’s a big-time defender, but he’s also a fun player to watch. He’s had some great alley-oops this season and has surprised a lot of big men with his dunks.

But he’s also had his share of injuries. He missed the first 35 games this season while recovering from offseason surgery. He’s been reevaluated numerous times and is reportedly progressing well.

The Portland Trail Blazers announced Friday that Gary Payton II underwent a procedure to address a core muscle injury. He should return to game action soon, as he’s expected to be pain-free and ready to play.

As it turns out, Payton II’s injury was the same one that Damian Lillard suffered last year. It’s expected to heal quickly and shouldn’t stop him from getting back to his MVP-ballot self soon.

After all, Nassir Little also had the same type of procedure and got back to the floor a few weeks after. So it’s not impossible to see him make a quick recovery and return to his regular-season form by the end of 2023.

The timing could be perfect for Payton II to get back into the mix in the playoffs if the Warriors make it to the NBA Finals, too. That would be a huge boost for the team, especially considering they’re playing Dallas in the Western Conference Finals.

Will he be ready to start?

Payton II has had a tumultuous career in the NBA. He was cut four times in six years and was one decision away from quitting. But he had a coach who believed in him and he won a spot on the Warriors. He thrives on the defensive end and has been a key contributor this season. He even blocked reigning MVP Nikola Jokic on two occasions during the first round of the playoffs against Denver.

The Blazers signed him to a multi-year deal on Friday and he is expected to play a role in their rebuild around Damian Lillard. However, it will take some time for him to get back to where he was at his best.

His most recent injury was a broken left elbow, which occurred when he was hit hard by Memphis Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals. He is currently undergoing rehab.

He hasn’t been able to play in any games since that injury, but the Blazers say he is progressing well and that they expect him to be ready for training camp. He may not be ready to play the entire season, but he should be back in the lineup by October.

During his stint with the Warriors, Payton became a key off-guard, leading the team in deflections and steals. He also contributed a lot of minutes off the bench, and he was a fan-favorite with Golden State fans.

As a rookie, he played a significant role in the Warriors’ championship run and was named to the All-NBA First Team as a result. He is a big part of the reason Golden State has rediscovered its playoff form. He’s also a player that the Warriors and their fans can’t afford to lose.

While he is a player who could be a valuable asset in some leagues, it’s unlikely that he will be a top-five fantasy option. His role with the Trail Blazers will be to provide backup to Lillard and help them build around their young core of talent, but he’ll have to prove himself to be a consistent contributor in order for that to happen.

Gary Payton II - When is Gary Payton 2 Coming Back 2023?

After a tough journey that saw him play for six different G-league teams, Gary Payton II finally found a home in the NBA. He is now a key defensive defender for the Golden State Warriors.

But he has not played a game since May because of a fractured elbow. The team says he will be re-evaluated in one week.

What is his injury status?

Gary Payton 2 is currently sidelined with an elbow injury, a setback which occurred in the second round of the NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies. He suffered a fractured elbow in Game 2 of the series and hasn't played since. Despite this setback, the Golden State Warriors are optimistic that Payton will be able to return to play in the 2022 NBA Finals.

He was a major piece of the Warriors' defense, which helped them win the title last season. He's a defensive whiz and has the ability to make scorers uncomfortable. He's also a good rebounder and possesses excellent instinct and anticipation.

However, it's unlikely that he will receive significant minutes in the standard fantasy league, as he'll need to work his way back into game shape. He'll also need to prove that he can score points at a consistent rate before managers will consider him a starter.

In seven appearances this postseason, Payton has averaged 3.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.2 steals in 17.8 minutes per game. He's a solid option for owners in need of a reliable bench player.

With his return, the Warriors should be able to tap into their depth even more. Previously, they relied on their bench to pick up extra minutes in games where they needed it most.

The Warriors have also tapped into the bench quite a bit in games that were blowouts this postseason, meaning that Payton's return should help Golden State's depth even more. He's one of their better defenders, and he should be able to start when the Warriors are in need of a little more help on defense.

He's been a big part of the Warriors' defensive success this season, as he helped keep teams from scoring in the paint with his presence on the perimeter. He's a strong shot blocker and can be a valuable commodity in the standard fantasy league, as long as he stays healthy.

Payton is expected to be re-signed by the Portland Trail Blazers this summer, but when will he be ready to play? The Trail Blazers have a few key pieces on the roster that could need some time to develop, and Payton is one of them.

When will he be ready to play?

Payton has been a major question mark for the Portland Trail Blazers since he suffered a core muscle injury last summer. He has been a top free agent pickup for the team this offseason, but he has not played a game since July because of the injury.

When he will be ready to play is anyone’s guess, but it sounds like he may be closer than we initially thought. Despite the injury, the Blazers are confident he will return sooner rather than later, reports The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

It seems as though he is on the mend, according to coach Chauncey Billups. He will probably miss Friday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, but should be good to go for Monday’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets. He should be able to provide some defensive production as a result, which could help the Blazers overcome a tough matchup against the Bucks.

He also should be able to contribute some offensively as well, giving his team a solid option in the paint with some versatility. He did have some success in the G League last year, averaging 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game while also playing significant minutes as a defensive force.

The Warriors have a great defense, but they’re missing one of their best perimeter defenders in Gary Payton 2. He fractured his elbow during Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Memphis Grizzlies and hasn’t been able to play since then.

However, he is expected to be back before the end of the season and could even make it back for the Warriors’ finals run. That would be a huge boost to Golden State’s title hopes.

In his first season with the Warriors, Payton was a top-notch defensive player who averaged 7.1 points and 3.5 rebounds while racking up efficient contributions in limited minutes. He has shown the ability to guard the opposing team’s best player, so he should be a top-tier asset in most leagues once he returns from injury.

He also showed some semblance of his former self as a playmaker last season, averaging 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 17 minutes. He will need to work on his shot to become a consistent fantasy threat, but he should be able to develop into a valuable playmaker as long as he stays healthy.

How much money will he make?

The son of NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, Gary Payton II is a professional basketball player who plays for the Golden State Warriors. He played college basketball at Oregon State, where he was named first-team All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

He is 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 88 kilograms. He has an Instagram handle @garydwayne and he has over 75,000 followers.

In 2022, he is projected to make around $50 million. He has a long way to go in the NBA but if he can stay healthy and start playing for his team then his net worth will grow.

If he continues to perform well on the court, he will likely be re-signed by his team and will make more money in 2023. The average salary of a point guard in the NBA is around $418,568 per season so he should make an impressive amount of money over his career.

According to Spotrac, Payton’s total career earnings are estimated at $104 million. He has a high net worth and is the 15th richest NBA player as of February 2023.

Payton spent 13 years in the NBA with the Seattle SuperSonics and broke several franchise records during that time. He was also a part of the 1996 NBA All-Star Game and was awarded Defensive Player of the Year in 1996.

During his time with the SuperSonics, he became a popular figure in the league and became known as “The Glove.” He was a great defensive player that specialized on the defensive end of the court. He also had an impressive array of offensive skills that made him a valuable asset to any team.

He was also a good scorer and was one of the top three players in the league at his position. He was also a great teammate and friend to everyone on his team.

After he left the SuperSonics, Payton spent one season with the Milwaukee Bucks before transferring as a free agent to the Los Angeles Lakers. He then went on to play for the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat before retiring in 2006.

Will he be re-signed?

Whether or not Payton 2 will be re-signed remains to be seen. As of now, he is free to sign with any team that has room on its roster. He is also eligible to receive a player option, which would allow him to opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent in 2023.

He has been a good player in the NBA. His IQ and hustle on the defensive end of the floor make him an effective help defender. He rebounds at a high rate and knocks down clean jumpers. He is not as slick off the ball as a ball handler, but he is capable of setting solid screens and hitting open shooters.

His shooting percentages are not spectacular, but they are above average compared to his career numbers. He is also an excellent defender on the perimeter, with great hands to bother guards and great range to harass center and small forwards alike.

Payton II's breakout season last year showed that he could be more than just a help defender on the Warriors. He was a huge part of their playoff run to the finals, and he helped them to the title in the process.

This summer, he became one of the team's first priorities as an unrestricted free agent. He was a major factor in the team's success, and his style fits well with the team's three main players.

The Warriors, however, have a few things that prevent them from re-signing him this summer. The biggest of these is their high repeater luxury tax bill. This will mean they have to pay Payton more than he is currently making in Golden State, even though he is still under team control.

Another reason the Warriors may not be able to re-sign Payton is his market. If his market explodes, he will be too expensive for them to retain him.

Ultimately, it is a question of whether or not the Warriors feel comfortable giving Payton the taxpayer mid-level exception this offseason. That would be a commitment of around $35 million, including luxury tax.

What Happened to Gary Payton II 2023?

Gary Payton II, son of Basketball Hall of Fame guard Draymond Green, was one win away from an NBA championship last season with the Golden State Warriors. But he was still on the road to recovery from an offseason knee injury.

Now, he's finally back. After a long journey, the former undrafted free agent is about to make his 2023 debut with the Portland Trail Blazers.

What Happened to Gary Payton Ii 2023?

Gary Payton II is one NBA Finals win away from becoming the first man to win the title with both his father and his son in the same team. It's an awe-inspiring accomplishment and a dream come true for the 30-year-old guard. But as with any player who has spent time on the fringes of the NBA, it's been a long road for Gary to get here.

Since undrafted out of Oregon State in 2016, the man dubbed "The Mitten" had been scrapping his way to the NBA, earning just about all of his salary from 10-day contracts, two-way deals and a few short stints in the G League. He was a fixture in the Warriors' rotation last year, but his story is much more than that.

After getting hurt last season, Payton underwent a procedure at the Vincera Institute in Philadelphia to repair a core muscle injury. He'd been expected to return in time for the start of the regular season, but his recovery has been slow.

Despite that, he took part in some practices last week and was even expected to play on Friday against the Warriors, but he hasn't gotten on the court. Head coach Chauncey Billups said that there were non-physical issues at play and the 6-3 guard was still being evaluated.

But as long as he continues to progress, it seems that the future is bright for Payton II. He'll play a big role on the defensive end of the floor, and the Blazers could use his help in that area.

He's a great help defender on the perimeter, and his ability to gamble, take the ball to the basket and blow up pick-and-rolls and handoffs with aplomb make him an asset for the team. His tenacity on the defensive side of the floor will be an important addition in a team that is rebuilding around Damian Lillard.

The Trail Blazers signed him to a three-year, $28 million deal in the offseason. He's got a lot to look forward to next year, too, as he gets the chance to be part of a championship-winning team.

Payton Is Back

The former New Orleans Saints head coach retired a year ago and began working as a FOX analyst. He’s interviewed with multiple teams, including two Los Angeles teams and the Arizona Cardinals. The only team to miss out on Payton is the Indianapolis Colts.

The Denver Broncos are now reportedly set to hire Payton, according to NFL Network’s Adam Schefter. A person with knowledge of the deal told Schefter that Denver will send its first-round pick in this year’s draft to New Orleans and a future second-rounder for Payton.

If he’s hired, Payton would be instantly a much-needed upgrade over the Broncos’ Nathaniel Hackett, who’s gone 5-12 this season. He’d also get to work with a talented quarterback in Russell Wilson, who has been struggling since his blockbuster trade from Seattle.

However, there are some snags in Denver’s path to hiring Payton. The Broncos’ ownership group is among the richest in the league, but owner Pat Bowlen has said he doesn’t like having to pay Payton $20MM-$25MM a year. That’s a lot of money for any team.

In addition, Payton has a contract with the Saints that expires after 2021. He’ll have to come to terms with his former employer on the compensation for his services if he’s hired, but a deal would likely be made, says NFL Network’s Adam Schefter.

It’s possible that he could return to the game in 2023, but if it happens, it might be at the Dallas Cowboys’ request. That would give Payton the chance to get back to the level of success he experienced with the Saints, and it would allow him to stay close to his old mentor Jerry Jones.

A reunion with Jones would also help him keep his job at FOX, where he’s worked as an analyst since 2021. While Payton might be content to stay at the Fox studio for another year, he could still use his connections to land a head-coaching job.

There are several other head-coaching openings this offseason, and the chances of him grabbing one appear to be growing by the day. If you’re looking for an experienced coach who’s willing to take a high-paying job, Payton is the perfect candidate. He’s one of the most respected play-callers in the NFL and would immediately elevate a struggling team, particularly in the AFC West.

Payton Is Healthy

As a former NFL head coach, Payton knows all too well that he needs to be healthy in order to perform at his best. As a result, he has taken some steps to ensure that he is in the best possible shape for the upcoming season.

One way that Payton is staying active is by incorporating exercise into his daily routine. He enjoys a variety of workouts, from yoga to swimming, and even does a few sessions on the weights machine at Children's Health Dallas Campus.

Another way that Payton is keeping his body in check is by eating right. He recently started a new diet that is high in protein and low in sugar and processed foods. This will help him maintain a lean physique while he recovers from his injury.

When it comes to nutrition, Payton is a big fan of fruits and vegetables. She believes that a diet high in fruits and vegetables will help you look good and feel great while keeping your digestive system at optimum health.

Payton also believes that getting enough sleep is essential to staying healthy. She is a firm believer that sleeping for eight hours each night can do wonders for your body and mind.

The right amount of sleep will keep your energy levels up, which is vital for a busy schedule like Payton's. He even has some tips to help you get a better night's rest, including using a pillow and making sure your bed is cool and comfortable.

She has also found that meditation is a great way to relax and de-stress. She meditates for at least 20 minutes each morning and loves to do it with her son.

As a registered nurse, she is passionate about patient education and helping others make informed health decisions. She has worked in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including home health, hospital nursing and primary care. She has also written extensively on topics including insurance, obstetrics and preventative care. She is a dedicated advocate for nurses and strives to inspire other nurses to command respect as educated professionals.

Payton Is Ready to Play

After a long wait, Payton finally feels ready to play. After five years of training-camp auditions, 10-day contracts and short stints in the G League, he’s finally in line for his first multi-year, guaranteed NBA deal.

He’s not a superstar, but he’s still a valuable part of the Warriors rotation. He’s an excellent defender who can make life difficult on the opposition’s best players, and he’s a versatile player who can help the Warriors’ offense when they need it most.

His savvy in crunch time helped the Warriors close out their first-round series with Denver, and he’s likely to be a big part of the team’s playoff run this year as well. He’s a high-IQ player who can set solid screens and score from the perimeter. He’s also a good rebounder and an above-average shot blocker, so he could be an asset in the Warriors’ playoff run.

If he can find a way to thrive in the Warriors’ lineup, he should be a viable fantasy option in standard leagues. However, he’s unlikely to see significant minutes until he’s fully healed from his ankle injury.

When he’s on the floor, Payton is a good halfcourt playmaker who can hit the open jumper and get to the foul line when needed. He’s also a hard-nosed, pesky defender who can force his opponents to shoot from long range.

He’s a high-IQ player, and he’s got the skills to be an effective starter in the NBA. He sets solid screens, rebounds at a good rate and finds open shooters in the post. He also knocks down clean shots from 3-point range, which should make him a useful option in the Warriors’ playoff run this season.

But he’s not a great fantasy option in most formats, and he’s unlikely to generate significant value in standard leagues. That said, he’s worth considering as a potential steals streamer in deeper formats if his minutes continue to rise.

A former NFL quarterback and head coach, Payton reportedly is looking for a contract that’s around $20 million per season. That’s more than the rumored $15 million a year that Rams head coach Sean McVay makes and a number that matches Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

Gary Payton II Illness Will Play For Portland on Monday

After a brief absence with illness, Gary Payton II should return to the floor Monday against the Bucks. He logged 13 minutes off the bench on Saturday and should receive a similar role.

Currently a fantasy bench option, Payton should be ignored in standard leagues but could be utilized in deeper formats as a steals streamer. He's averaging 1.3 steals per game over his last four games off the bench, so he should provide some value.

Impact

Payton II is day to day with an illness, but he is expected to play Monday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. He was listed probable on Friday, but he played through his illness on Saturday and should see some significant minutes Monday.

The Bulls are missing several key players with injury and illness, so this game is a great opportunity for a player like Payton to step up. He could play the full 18 minutes and provide some value in fantasy lineups, though we’re likely to see him limited to a few points, rebounds, and assists.

He also has a good chance to score in the mid-range and get some steals, so he’s worth a look for a low-priced play. The Blazers are in a three-game win streak, and this is a good time to pick up a value play on a team that’s chasing a top-four spot.

During his time in high school, Payton honed his basketball IQ and has become one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. He knows how to read the defense of opponents, and he uses that knowledge to shut down Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

As a child, Payton was diagnosed with dyslexia. His mom, Monique, tried to help him overcome the problem by making him read a certain number of minutes every night. But he struggled and would often swap letters, which was a big issue for him.

When he was in second grade, he still didn’t have the reading skills needed for school, and his teacher asked his mother to test him. She had him tested and found out he had dyslexia, which affects 10% to 15% of the American population.

But that didn’t stop Payton from learning how to overcome his struggles. He and his parents worked hard on his dyslexia and began to understand the importance of his education.

Payton II started his career with Golden State last year, playing a few games during the summer and catching on in training camp. He was then waived, re-signed and went on to play in the Warriors’ final five games of the season before suffering a broken elbow in Game 5 of the series against the Memphis Grizzlies. He missed a month with the injury, but the possibility of him returning for the NBA Finals is still open.

Doubtful

After missing the first two and half months of the season recovering from abdominal surgery, Gary Payton II is reportedly on track to make his Blazers debut Monday night against the Detroit Pistons at Moda Center. However, it's unclear how much playing time he'll receive, so his absence from the injury report remains doubtful heading into the game.

As a defensive-minded guard, the Blazers may be eager to add Payton II to their rotation. After all, they've struggled to defend opponents this year, allowing 115.7 points per 100 possessions over the past 20 games. That's far below the league average, as ranked by Cleaning the Glass.

In addition to being a versatile offensive threat, Payton II is also a very good defensive player. In fact, FiveThirtyEight's RAPTOR metric rated him as the fifth-best defender in the NBA last season.

He's also a solid passer, which should help Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant get more open shots and cut to the basket. That could make him a decent streamer in standard formats, though he's unlikely to garner much minutes right now.

If he's able to make an impact for the Blazers, he could prove an effective asset in deeper formats. Even so, he's unlikely to crack the standard league discussion any time soon.

It's possible that he'll start the game against Milwaukee, which is an important matchup for the Blazers. They've lost four of their past six games to drop to 18-17 on the season.

On the other hand, he'll likely be rested against Golden State Friday, as Warriors coach Steve Kerr has announced. That leaves the Blazers with an 11-man rotation, but it's unclear how many minutes Payton will get.

The Blazers are favored to win this one, as Lillard is on a hot streak with 37.8 points, 5.8 assists and 4.6 rebounds over his past five games. He should be able to take advantage of Milwaukee's slow pace to wreak havoc on the Bucks' defense. In addition, Anfernee Simons and Drew Eubanks should be able to provide another high-quality performance in support of him, as they've each averaged more than 35 points over their last two games.

Available

When Gary Payton II was a child, his mother Monique made him read 30 minutes every night. Unlike his siblings, who were eager to complete the task and would finish the books quickly, Gary struggled to understand the lessons. He stumbled over words and often asked for the explanations to be written out so that he could understand them clearly.

As he got older, he began to watch a lot of basketball. He watched NBA games on TV and studied the moves of players he liked. He would try to copy their plays and incorporate them into his own game.

He also learned a lot from watching the Golden State Warriors and their success. He listened to Warriors coach Steve Kerr and saw how hard he worked on the court, and he also read up on the history of Golden State.

One of the biggest things he learned was that he needed to play basketball with passion. He needed to love the game, and he had to understand how the team operates on and off the court.

When he first arrived in Vegas, Payton was projected to be a backup who would play minimal minutes for the Warriors. But he became an integral part of the rotation.

It was an experience that shaped his career and taught him to never give up. It was a journey that eventually led him to the same basketball court where he was born and raised in Corvallis, Oregon.

During his time in the desert, he went from playing at Westwind Preparatory Academy in Phoenix to Salt Lake Community College and Saint Mary’s College in Moraga. It was a winding, grapevine-like path that eventually brought him to Oregon State University in 2014.

In his six appearances with OSU, he has averaged 4.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists while providing leadership as the Beavers’ young talent develops. Payton will likely continue to see high-volume minutes this season, but his role will be more limited than in years past. He’ll need to show he can contribute on both ends of the floor while developing his own identity in order to become a valuable player for the Blazers moving forward.

Injury report

The Trail Blazers are getting a boost from Gary Payton II, who is likely to suit up for Monday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Our models project him for 6.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 18.5 minutes of action against the Bucks.

The Oregon State product was able to play through an illness, so we should see him in the lineup on Monday. He’ll be an important defensive contributor against the Bucks, so we should see him in some value plays on FanDuel.

This is a good sign for the Blazers, as they’ll have some flexibility to rotate through their bench players. While Nassir Little and Shaedon Sharpe are expected to sit Monday, Payton could get some extra minutes off the bench. He should have enough time to help out on the boards, which could lead to some steals production.

He played a crucial role for the Warriors last season, averaging 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals over 71 games. Those numbers aren’t great, but he has been a real-life impact player who hasn’t regressed.

His new team, the Portland Trail Blazers, has a retooled roster centered around Damian Lillard, Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons and Jusuf Nurkic. The addition of Payton is a good sign for the Blazers, who have a solid starting five but could use a little more from their bench.

After a long absence due to injury, Payton returned to the bench on Saturday and is likely to play Monday night against the Bucks. He logged 13 minutes in the loss to the Pistons and should have a similar workload on Monday, giving or taking a few minutes.

The Blazers are in need of Payton’s defensive ability, and he should be a good pickup for fantasy managers looking for a low-risk, low-cost option on Monday. He could also have some value in deeper formats, as he’s averaging 1.1 steals per game this season.

The Blazers have lost four of five games and will need a victory on Monday to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Blazers are favored by six points over the Timberwolves, who have won seven straight and are stacked with two dangerous guards in D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards. The Blazers are 0-1 against the Timberwolves this season and will need a big performance on Monday to win this one.

Gameday Preview and Injury Report

Milwaukee has won six straight and will look to make it seven when they take on Washington in the first game of a three-game series.

The Bucks have invested heavily in providing Giannis Antetokounmpo with the firepower to be a title contender for years to come. They have also managed his minutes well and have allowed him to rest when he’s needed to keep him fresh.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

GAMEDAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks start a 3-game 2023 West Coast trip with an afternoon game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The team's All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is probable for Thursday night's matchup with the Clippers after he suffered an injury scare during Milwaukee's win over the Hornets on Monday.

Fans around the NBA have long admired Giannis' uncanny ability to succeed in the face of adversity. His humble approach to life - his loyalty to Milwaukee and his willingness to work hard with his teammates - endear him further still.

Despite his success, Antetokounmpo is still an underrated pick in 9-cat formats. He's a bit too mediocre at this moment to get to his Yahoo ADP (#3), but he should be able to reach that number by the end of the season.

A player with the rare talent of combining great shooting, solid ball-handling and excellent defensive abilities, Antetokounmpo has become a dominant force in Milwaukee. He leads the team in scoring (30.9 PPG) and rebounding (11.9 RPG) this season, helping them to a 30-17 start.

He's also made the most of his chances to go out and shoot three-pointers, with a 28.7% clip compared to a career average of 27.4%. A lack of shooting opportunities is partly the reason for his lower percentages this season, but it's still a major challenge for him and something he's working to improve upon.

Whether he's coming off an epic 50-point performance against Washington or battling back from a season-low seven points against Atlanta, Antetokounmpo will have to lead the Bucks in every way on court Monday. If he can, he'll be a huge help to a team that's in the thick of the Eastern Conference race and has a star-studded frontcourt with the potential to be one of the best in the NBA.

Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday was one of the big surprises to make it onto the 2023 NBA All-Star Reserve list. He joins Giannis Antetokounmpo on the roster and he is a huge asset to the Bucks' team.

He's stepped up his game in the fourth quarter this season, as he ranks fifth in the league with 8.3 points per game. This is a result of his ability to knock down step-back triples as well as post up his opponents.

This is something that has really helped the Bucks in their quest for a playoff spot after a rough All-Star break. His ability to score efficiently in the fourth is a real asset and it's allowing the team to stay in games when they otherwise would not have won.

In his last three games, he's averaged 15 points and a career-high 13 rebounds per contest. He's shooting a very efficient 60.8 percent from the floor and 70.6 percent from range, while also adding a pair of steals to his total.

While the Bucks have had a tough start to the season, they are still only 1 game behind the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference. It looks like they're destined to be in the thick of it again, but that will require them to have their top players back.

With the injuries to Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Holiday has been the man in the middle offensively for the Bucks. He has scored in double digits in five of his six games this month, and he's been hitting the three-point shot with an increased consistency as well.

He had a strong performance in Tuesday's 124-115 win over the Hornets, scoring 15 points while also adding 13 rebounds and two assists. That was a nice bounce-back outing for him after his dreadful outing in the loss to the Wizards on Sunday.

Khris Middleton

Khris Middleton is back from a knee injury and he is expected to play in the Bucks' next game. This is a great news for the Bucks and will help give Giannis Antetokounmpo more freedom to work in the halfcourt.

Since coming off the bench in a three-game stint, Middleton has been able to make an impact in his limited minutes. In the Bucks' 107-99 win over Denver on Wednesday, he had 10 points (3-8 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds and three assists in 15 minutes of action.

The three-time All-Star missed the first 20 games of the season with a sore knee, and while he hasn't yet played much off the bench, he is showing glimpses of what he can do as a backup in the lineup. The key will be for Middleton to stay healthy and avoid any setbacks in his recovery.

Coach Mike Budenholzer gave an update on Middleton's status following Wednesday night's loss to the Hawks, and he said that Middleton has been practicing with the Wisconsin Herd. Budenholzer also noted that Middleton has been doing "significant" 5-of-5 work, which is a good sign that he's getting closer to returning to action. With Middleton's return expected to have a big impact on the Bucks' offense, it will be very important for him to be healthy and play this week.

MarJon Beauchamp

MarJon Beauchamp capped off his impressive first start for Milwaukee with a savvy defensive move that led to a bucket for Giannis Antetokounmpo. It was a play that demonstrated the value of a player with instincts and feel on the court as well as in the game room.

Beauchamp is an energetic wing who has been a pleasant surprise in the Bucks' G League Ignite rotation. The 21-year-old averaged 15.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2 assists in 34.6 minutes per game in his abbreviated junior college campaign at Yakima Valley College before signing with Milwaukee as an undrafted free agent.

A long, fluid wing who runs the floor in transition and cuts effectively on the half court, Beauchamp has a lot of potential to improve on the offensive side of the ball. He has a little bit of shot-making talent, but needs to continue working on his range and accuracy.

He has been on a good pace lately, though, averaging 5.1 points and 1.8 rebounds in 9.5 minutes across his first 12 games as a reserve. He will likely be a backup behind Grayson Allen, Jevon Carter and Pat Connaughton, but he should still see some playing time in the Bucks' rotation.

The Bucks have a tough test tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers at Fiserv Forum, but they should be favored in this matchup. They have been on a sensational 5-game winning streak and could potentially put the pressure on the Clippers to catch them. This should be a great matchup for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been averaging 22.3 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 17 games against the Clippers since joining the team.

Bobby Portis Jr.

The Milwaukee Bucks start a 3-game 2023 West Coast road trip on Saturday night as they head to the Fiserv Forum to take on the Miami Heat. They come into this game having won six straight overall and are averaging 127.1 points per game.

It's going to be a busy night in the NBA, with teams all across the league grabbing the headlines. Brooklyn and Philadelphia got serious social media play with their GOAT players demanding out, Boston went through some ups and downs, and we've had a bit of a brouhaha in Minnesota.

One team that's been quietly preparing for the future is the Bucks, who're 33-17 and in the hunt for a top-three Eastern Conference spot. They're built to win their way, favoring 3-point barrages around the Greek Freak and a dare-you-to-make-it defense.

Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the scoring with 31 points per game while Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez, Pat Connaughton, and George Hill round out the roster. It's a solid group that could be improved by a full recovery for Joe Ingles or more production from Jordan Nwora and AJ Green.

Shooting is also a key area of concern for the Bucks. They rank 23rd in field goal percentage at 46.1% and 17th in shooting from three at 35.8%, but they do have an excellent bench.

Bobby Portis has played a vital role for the Bucks over the past few weeks, providing leadership and a high level of performance. He scored a career-high 38 points in Chicago's home loss against Philadelphia on February 22, 2018. This was a significant achievement for the power forward as he struggled to find consistent playing time with the Bulls.