Gary Payton II discusses outside expectations ahead of 2026-27 season

Ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, 10-year NBA veteran and current Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II discussed his mindset as well as expectations surrounding the team. Payton II, a one-time NBA champion (2022), compared Golden State's roster to that of their last title-winning team.

"It's funny," Payton said about outside expectations for the team being low. "It kind of gives, in a sense, a '22 feeling. We're not expected to do anything, but we still got a pretty good veteran core, and we got some talented young guys. The goal this year, the motto for me, is stay healthy and have fun."

Payton II had the most durable campaign of his career last season, playing in a career-best 73 contests. He averaged a career-high in points (7.5) and rebounds (3.6) per game to go along with 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks. The former Oregon State guard shot 58.3% from the field and 29.1% from 3-point range.

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