Gary Payton II has always been a key role player for the Warriors during his two different stints with Golden State, including the championship season in 2022.
Payton’s numbers will never jump off the page, but his play certainly does. Last season, he averaged a career-high 7.5 points and 3.6 rebounds, including 1.4 offensive rebounds. Crashing the offensive glass is a big part of his game. Payton’s value is a pure hustle guy, winning extra possessions, cutting off the ball and working as a screener.
Players like Payton can provide a massive punch of energy off the bench. There are several teams that could use a player of this caliber off the bench, who, with their hustle, can turn a game.