Why this Warriors season has been a ‘miraculous learning experience’ for
Gary Payton II
By MADELINE KENNEY | mkenney@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group
PUBLISHED: April 6, 2022 at 2:07 p.m. | UPDATED: April 7, 2022 at 4:44 a.m.
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2022/04/06/why-this-warriors-season-has-been-a-miraculous-learning-experience-for-gary-payton-ii/

SAN FRANCISCO — Gary Payton II’s motto at the beginning of the season
was that he just had to “go out there and literally perform.”

Everything would fall into place, he believed, if he just stuck with
what he knew.

That’s proving to be true this season.

Payton spent most of his first five seasons out of college playing in
the G League. He earned his seat at the table last fall, snagging the
Warriors’ final roster spot out of training camp and working his way
into the rotation.

In an increased role, Payton has proven to be a solid wing defender who
has quick hands and can get over screens.

Payton called this season a “miraculous learning experience.” He said
he’s greatly benefitted from playing alongside seasoned veterans like
Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green.

“Every mistake he makes, those guys let him know,” coach Steve Kerr said
Wednesday after practice. “And the more playing time he’s gotten more
experience… the more situations he sees, the more circumstances he
recognizes, and so he’s gotten better and better as the years have gone
on and really become a key factor for us.”

Payton is a big part of the Warriors’ defensive identity of the second unit.

“His effect on the ball, his pressure as soon as he steps on the court,
people are aware of it, and the guy he is defending is aware of it, so
the game changes,” Andrew Wiggins said.

Payton is one of several players who are about to enter uncharted
territory with the playoffs starting in less than two weeks. Those less
experienced players are going to rely on their veterans for guidance.

Payton said he’s up for the challenge that the postseason brings, and
Wiggins is confident in the young guard’s ability.

“His ability to defend and affect the game in so many different ways is
huge,” Wiggins said. “He’s going to be big for us.”

- Latest on Curry and Wiseman

The Warriors practiced on one side of the court Wednesday, leaving the
other end open for Stephen Curry to get some shots up.

Curry’s shooting routine isn’t at full speed yet, Kerr said. But he
continues to make progress in his recovery from a sprained left foot
ligament.

“He’s moving and came out yesterday really well, and seems to be doing
well today, too,” Kerr said.

The hope is that Curry, who will be re-evaluated at the end of the
regular season, will be ready in time for the first round of the playoffs.

Meanwhile, James Wiseman, who’s out for the season with a knee injury,
is expected to join the Warriors on their upcoming road trip and during
the playoffs.

Kerr said it’s important for the second overall pick of the 2020 draft
to still be involved with the team despite being shut down for the season.

“He’s out on the floor talking about concepts so he’s absorbing
everything,” Kerr said. “Every bit of experience is important even if
he’s not playing.”

- Kuminga’s ‘signature move’

Sometimes it’s easy to forget Jonathan Kuminga is just 19 years old. The
seventh overall pick in last year’s draft has shown flashes where he
looks like a grizzled veteran, and his explosiveness and quickness has
impressed Payton.

“Pretty much any move he does is like ‘wow’,” he said.

But there’s one move in particular that Kuminga does that Payton
believes is special, and that’s the rookie’s spin move in the lane.

“The best part about it is you can’t stop it,” Payton said. “It’s so
strong, so powerful, all you have to do is foul him, so I think he’s got
a kind of signature move already… It’s exciting to see and I just can’t
wait for him to continue to add to his game.”

That doesn’t mean Payton minds putting Kuminga in his place at practice,
though.

“It’s different with me,” he said with a laugh. “I’m not going to let
him get to the spin… I try to play the cat-and-mouse game on JK.”

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Madeline Kenney | Warriors reporter