One of the most surprising aspects of the 2022-23 season so far is the fact that the Portland Trail Blazers are doing so well.
Even with Damian Lillard back, most people expected the team to struggle a lot because Lillard doesn’t have a proven, time-tested team surrounding him.
But, so far, that isn’t the case and Portland is currently battling it out for the top spot in the West with a 5-1 record.
Gary Payton II will make his season debut with the Portland Trail Blazers (at least the earliest) on November 15 against the San Antonio Spurs, per @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/YrjDhjrME2
— ClutchPoints NBA (@ClutchPointsNBA) November 1, 2022
But they could become even stronger within the next few weeks.
It is being reported that Gary Payton II will make his season debut with the Blazers on November 15 against the San Antonio Spurs.
Many people have been eager to see what Payton can bring to Portland and they are about to find out.
He could be just another impressive roster choice that makes this team better than many people had planned on.
Payton In Portland
Payton is riding high after winning his first championship ring with the Golden State Warriors last season.
But shortly after all of that celebration and triumph last June, it was revealed that Payton would be traveling north to play for the Blazers.
But then he experienced an injury and the team announced that he would miss the start of the season.
Payton has a career average of 5.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.
But during his last season with the Warriors, he stepped that up to 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and just shy of 1 assist a game.
Payton is known for his shooting ability and his dogged defense, both of which are desperately wanted by the Blazers in the weeks and months ahead.
The team is already surpassing expectations and Payton could help them keep that up.