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Calling for calm on Gary Payton II, plus Warriors’ potential replacements

By Peter O'Keefe

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MAY 01: Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors dunks against Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies during Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on May 01, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MAY 01: Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors dunks against Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies during Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on May 01, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Gary Payton II has officially departed the Golden State Warriors, signing a three-year, $28 million dollar deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Warriors fans were left disappointed with the loss of a beloved championship-winning player, with the franchise unwilling to match Portland’s significant offer.

While Gary Payton II played a significant role in the Golden State Warriors’ championship, the team has ready-made replacements ready to step up.

Payton had a major impact for the Warriors, there’s no denying that. But perhaps his perceived value from an on-court perspective has risen due to his lovable personality and the feel-good story he provided.

That resulted in sadness amongst Warriors fans, an emotion that lead to frustration over what was clearly a preventable situation if Joe Lacob had opened his pockets a little more.

Payton proved to be one of the league’s elite perimeter defenders in the NBA this season, providing Steve Kerr with an invaluable weapon off the bench.

His defensive field goal percentage was 43.6%, which in contrast, was better than the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart, who was at 45%.

Despite a limited offensive game, Payton found a niche role within the Warriors’ offensive system. He often played as a big man on offense, with his athleticism allowing him to finish layups and throw down dunks off cuts and drop-off passes.

He also developed his outside shot to a serviceable level, shooting a more than competent 37.7% on catch-and-shoot threes throughout the regular season.

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