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

As the 2026-27 NBA season approaches, storied veteran Gary Payton II of the Golden State Warriors has addressed both his own outlook and the expectations surrounding his team. The 10-year NBA veteran, who was part of the 2022 championship squad, drew a comparison between his current squad and last year's title-winning roster. Payton II remarked on the fact that the team isn't facing lofty expectations, a circumstance he likened to the 2022 season.

Despite the low expectations, Payton II emphasized that the team boasts a strong veteran core and some promising young talent. His primary goal for the upcoming season, he stated, is to maintain good health and enjoy the experience.

During the last campaign, Payton II reached new heights of longevity and productivity. He appeared in a career-best 73 games, contributing career-high averages of 7.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. He also recorded 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks per contest. Furthermore, Payton II showcased his shooting prowess, hitting 58.3% of his field goals and 29.1% from beyond the arc.