3 Golden State Warriors that’ll take time adjusting to Klay Thompson’s return

Warriors player that’ll take time adjusting: Gary Payton II

Thompson has played 40 minutes through 2 games, and there have been few players that he’s played alongside more than guard Gary Payton II. The duo has shared the court for 16 minutes.

Payton II is a defensive mastermind, and when put on Ja Morant in the team’s matchup with the Grizzlies, Payton thrived. He’s been too good to not have a spot in the rotation. Payton is 10-for-13 from the field with 23 points in 32 minutes since Thompson’s return.

It will be an ideal rotation for Thompson to be alongside Payton as he can shift down to the three and guard bigger, slower players. A trio of Payton, Thompson, and Green should be able to lock up the best three players for the vast majority of teams.

Payton II’s role as a 3-and-D threat will likely change little, but having the dynamic of another big-time defender will be a huge plus. Payton II should only get better by playing alongside a star like Thompson.

Currently, at 17 minutes per game, it will be interesting how Kerr utilizes the Payton/Poole dynamic, both of which have been deserving of big-time minutes off the bench.