Feb 20

CHA13-39
LAL32-20
FDCH @3:00 AM UTC

Feb 21

MEM36-18
IND30-23
FDSM @12:00 AM UTC
BOS39-16
PHI20-34
TNT @12:00 AM UTC
ORL27-29
ATL26-29
FDSE @12:30 AM UTC
CLE44-10
BKN20-34
FDOH @12:30 AM UTC
CHI22-33
NYK36-18
CHSN @12:30 AM UTC
LAC31-23
MIL29-24
FDSC @1:00 AM UTC
CHA13-39
DEN36-19
FDCH @2:00 AM UTC
PHX26-28
SAS23-29
TNT @2:30 AM UTC
LAL32-20
POR23-32
KUNP @3:00 AM UTC

Feb 22

GSW28-27
SAC28-27
NBCSBAY @3:00 AM UTC
MIL29-24
WAS9-45
FDWI @12:00 AM UTC
NYK36-18
CLE44-10
ESPN @12:00 AM UTC
MEM36-18
ORL27-29
FDFL @12:00 AM UTC
MIA25-28
TOR17-38
SUN @12:30 AM UTC
NOP13-42
DAL30-26
KFAA @1:30 AM UTC
DET29-26
SAS23-29
FDDT @1:30 AM UTC
OKC44-10
UTA13-41
FDOK @2:30 AM UTC
MIN31-25
HOU34-21
ESPN @2:30 AM UTC

Kerr, Myers explains GP2's familiarity, fit with Warriors

Share
0:00
0:00 / 2:13

Steve Kerr spoke to reporters before Monday’s game and addressed the teams bringing back Gary Payton II.

Gary Payton II's return to the Bay Area was a no-brainer for the Warriors.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr explained to reporters Monday that Golden State brought back Payton because he was "an easy fit" with the defending NBA champions. 

"He knows our guys, he plays extremely well with Steph [Curry] and Draymond [Green]," Kerr said. "He's a unique fit but he fit perfectly with us."

Kerr added that trade deadline acquisitions can be challenging for both the player and the team as they have to figure out how to win in a very short amount of time.

With Payton, the Warriors know what he is capable of and the 30-year-old understands what is expected of him. 

"And obviously, Gary fills a position of need just with our on-ball defense and what he did for us in the playoffs last year," Kerr continued. "It's exciting to have him and obviously, we're hoping for the best on the health front."

The Warriors landed Payton in a complicated four-team trade, which almost was rescinded after an issue arose with Payton's physical. After much deliberation, Golden State went through the trade, though the defensive ace will be out for at least a month to rehab his core muscle injury. 

Golden State Warriors

Find the latest Golden State Warriors news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.

Why Steph is Bay Area athlete Chapman wishes he could embody

KD clarifies why he was not interested in Warriors reunion

With Payton back in a Warriors uniform, president of basketball operations and general manager Bob Myers hopes the guard will have a relatively easy transition due to his understanding of Kerr's system and the team.

"We play him a little differently, we did play him a little differently than other teams," Myers told reporters Monday. "I think that's why he did so well with us -- our system is a little unique.

"And so part of the reason we did it was that familiarity. We've seen how much he helps us and so that was some of the reason."

Myers also believes Payton has a role when he returns from injury, a stance shared by the coaches and players. But Myers is tempering his expectations of what will happen once the guard steps onto the court. 

"I think help, yeah. But save, no," Myers said regarding if Payton's acquisition will turn the Warrior's season around. "I don't know that anybody thinks it solves everything, but I think it was helpful. 

"We still think it was helpful -- we just have to wait until he gets healthy. That was the motivation behind it."

RELATED: Bringing GP2 back checks multiple boxes for Warriors

It will take time before Kerr, Myers, Golden State's players and Dub Nation see Payton back on the floor donning a Warriors jersey. 

But by all accounts, all sides are happy with the result and potentially what happens, especially come playoff time when Payton is slated to return

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Contact Us