The Golden State Warriors‘ title bid came to an end as they got knocked out of the NBA playoffs in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Stephen Curry and Co weren’t able to get past the Los Angeles Lakers. While Curry and head coach Steve Kerr admitted to the roster not being good enough, they were handed a boost on trade deadline day when a massive piece from their 2022 Championship run came back, albeit in a controversial manner. A massive update regarding that Warriors star has now come to light, possibly explaining his un-even performances in the postseason.
The Golden State Warriors got knocked out of the NBA playoffs before reaching the Finals for the first time under Steve Kerr. The Dub nation would be disappointed as the organization is used to contending and winning the NBA title almost every other season.
Stephen Curry’s teammate makes a massive revelation
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Gary Payton II was traded to the Golden State Warriors in February. He briefly featured for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2022-23 season before getting traded to San Francisco. He was only able to add 4 points to the Warriors’ tally in the must-win game. However, his struggles have an explanation.
It recently came to light that Payton was not in optimal condition during the entire course of the season. This came as a surprise as the Warriors traded for Payton to increase the depth of their roster. He was injured for the majority of the season while playing for Portland. The 30-year-old made his return in December after recovering from abdominal issues.
The basketball world expressed concerns if the Trail Blazers knew whether Payton was not fully fit. The Warriors were taken aback after realizing Payton wasn’t in optimal condition after they traded for him. While they could have nullified the trade due to misinformation, the Warriors decided to work with the former G-League star.
Gary Payton II said there was so point this season where he felt fully healthy.
— C.J. Holmes (@HolmesScribe) May 13, 2023
Even though Payton managed to make a return to court, he clearly wasn’t at his best. It also came to light a few months ago that Gary Payton II suffers from a rare learning disorder.
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Gary Payton II suffers from a learning disorder
Payton came to know that he’s got dyslexia when his school teacher advised his parents to get him assessed. Dyslexia is found in over forty million people worldwide. Even after his learning disabilities, he finished his human development and family science degree from Oregon State University and still went on to become a very successful NBA player.
He has persevered throughout his life and in basketball. It’s quite heartening to see an individual overcoming the odds to achieve something big. There will be a lot of people, including kids, who’ll be inspired by his journey in life.
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What do you think of Gary Payton’s situation at the Warriors? Let us know in the comments.