The Golden State Warriors, up until the latter portions of the offseason, largely chose to run it back with the same roster they had in 2025-26.
They used their limited financial resources to re-sign Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, Gary Payton II, De'Anthony Melton, and Charles Bassey—presumably leaning on improved health and the addition of rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg to change their ultimate result.
But now that the offseason is coming to a close, the Warriors have also added a host of potential contributors on non-guaranteed contracts. Georges Niang, Brandon Williams, and Dalen Terry will compete for the 14th and 15th roster spots, and there will also be a competition for the two-way spots between LJ Cryer, Malevy Leons, Alex Toohey, and presumably Lajae Jones.
The Warriors clearly want to introduce competition in training camp, and with the injuries they currently have on the roster, they need each of these players to make a full push for minutes in the regular season rotation. That doesn't just ramp up the pressure on each of the pieces fighting for roster spots, though.
Each of the fringe rotational contributors now needs to justify their right to a fully guaranteed roster spot—including Gary Payton II. The Warriors will ultimately be forced to leave one of Terry and Williams off the final roster as a result of their decision to bring back the veteran.
Will he make enough of an offensive impact in 2026-27 to justify that move?
Gary Payton II needs to remain a dependable rotational contributor for the Warriors in 2026-27
Given the fondness Steve Kerr has shown for Payton over his years with the Warriors, it wasn't surprising in the least that Payton was brought back this offseason. But when you take his production on an individual basis, it's not a move that automatically justifies itself.
Payton averaged just 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 58.3% from the field across 73 games last season for Golden State. Those are alright numbers, but even factoring in enhanced on-ball touches and Payton's defensive impact, they're not the type that should guarantee rotational minutes on a playoff-contending team.
Payton's role in this rotation is primarily as an energetic, hustle-oriented defender and part-time offensive contributor. When you have the mainstays of your rotation shored up, that's a valuable player to have.
But both Williams and Terry fit clearer, projectable needs in Golden State's rotation currently. The Warriors need a capable lead ball-handler to come off the bench behind Curry, and Williams' 2.05 assist-to-turnover ratio last season with the Dallas Mavericks provides ample evidence of his ability to take on that role. Terry, meanwhile, doesn't have a pedigree of NBA level production, but he does have the height and the perimeter-shooting upside to be a functional piece off the wing for Golden State.
Payton, as beloved as he is within the organization, doesn't possess either of those skill sets.
Still, Golden State's roster hierarchy is relatively set in stone. Payton will be on the 15-man roster, and it feels likely that one of Williams and Terry will not be when the season begins. Payton, therefore, needs to justify that opportunity with enhanced perimeter shooting and overall offensive contributions in 2026-27.
It simply remains to be seen if he has that in the tank as he enters Year 11.
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