Blazers GM Denies Reports That Team Made Gary Payton II Play Through Injury

"We wouldn’t be playing him if he wasn’t healthy,"Blazers GM Joe Cronin said.

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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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Aaron Abhishek is an NBA columnist for Fadeaway World. He graduated from St. Joseph's College with a Bachelor's in Visual Communication and a Master's in journalism.His passion for the sport began when he saw Michael Jordan take his final shot in the NBA, and he considers himself fortunate to have been a part of the Kobe Bryant era. Now he writes basketball news and analysis while waiting for the Los Angeles Lakers to win their 18th title.When not watching and writing basketball, you can find Aaron suited to play cricket, putting in some hard yards at the gym, trying a new coffee, and supporting Arsenal. Expertise: NBAFavorite Team: Los Angeles LakersPrevious Work: MEAWW, Blue Man Hoop, Sportskeeda
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