The Portland Trail Blazers front office and think-tank are in hot waters, especially after Gary Payton II failed the physical test. But Blazers GM Joe Cronin denied reports of Payton playing through an injury.
The Golden State Warriors reacquired the guard in a trade that saw the team do away with James Wiseman as part of a four-team deal involving the Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and the Detroit Pistons.
Wiseman’s exit saw Golden State land Gary Payton II and two future second-round picks (from Atlanta). However, his failure to clear the test puts the deal in some serious soup.
Payton II was suffering from a core injury that saw him miss a chunk of games for the Blazers. However, he was cleared to play Wednesday and he finished 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal.
Blazers GM Denies That Gary Payton II Was Made To Play Through Injury
Cronin was vocal when he shared his two cents on the issue. The injury forces Payton II to be sidelined for at least three months and that dents the deal which may see players return to their respective franchises if it all falls apart.
Speaking to the Blazers Reporter Sean Highkin Cronin opined that the guard was cleared to play.
https://twitter.com/highkin/status/1624210971517648901
“Player safety is super-important to us. We were playing [GP2], he was cleared, and we were super-confident he was healthy. We wouldn’t be playing him if he wasn’t healthy.”
This was also seconded by head coach Chauncey Billups who said the team would never force a player to take the hardwood.
“We would never push a guy to play. Whether it’s medical or he just doesn’t feel like playing. I’d be scared of me doing that, and then something bad happens.”
Payton II’s tenure with the Blazers appeared short-lived as he only made his debut with the team on January 2 after being sidelined for three months.
The Warriors now have until Saturday to decide if they still want to see the trade go through. Irrespective, the news comes as a shocker and an upset for Golden State which could have benefited from Payton’s versatility.
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