“It is what it is” says head coach Steve Kerr about his team, the Golden State Warriors, which had their fair share of ups and downs this season. As the Warriors are gearing up to face the Detroit Pistons, injuries remain their major storyline. With Stephen Curry and Draymond Green carrying the weight of the team through a tough stretch, fans are anxiously waiting for updates on two sidelined players who could make a big difference.
Good news might finally be on the way. Brandin Podziemski and Gary Payton II, both recovering from injuries, could be nearing a return to the court. Podziemski is out since late December with an abdominal injury, and a calf strain has sidelined Payton since Christmas Day. However, the two have been traveling with the team on their current road trip. Kerr has hinted that there’s a good chance that the two might be back on the floor during this four-game stretch, which kicks off in Detroit before stops in Indiana, Toronto, and Minnesota.
Anthony Slater shared a post on his X account, “Brandin Podziemski and Gary Payton II are both doing individual work this morning in Detroit. Both remain out tonight but could be close to a return for struggling Warriors. Payton: ‘I could probably go right now, but they’re not gonna let me.’”
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For a team in desperate need of reinforcements, the return of these two guards could be huge. Podziemski brings energy and versatility as a backup guard, averaging 8.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game this season. Meanwhile, Payton’s defensive prowess and ability to spark momentum have always been valuable. His comment about being ready to play, though held back by the team’s cautious approach, shows just how eager he is to contribute again.
What’s at stake for the struggling Golden State Warriors
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It hasn’t been an easy road for the Golden State Warriors this season. After starting strong with a 12-3 record, the team has gone 6-15 in its last 21 games, dropping to 10th place in the Western Conference, with injuries playing a big role. This string of bad luck has put a lot of pressure on the Warriors’ stars, especially Curry and Green, who’ve been carrying the team through this rough patch. Curry recently spoke about his drive to win another championship, but it’s clear the Warriors need all hands on deck to make that a reality.
On top of the injury concerns, the trade deadline is looming, and the Warriors have some big decisions to make. Rumors are Podziemski and Kuminga could be included in trade talks to bring in experienced players. Names like Jimmy Butler and Kyle Kuzma have popped up as well, though financial challenges and team dynamics make any move far from certain.
USA Today via Reuters Mar 20, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guards Brandin Podziemski (2) and Gary Payton II (0) bookend Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) as they await a foul shot during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
The possible return of Podziemski and Payton could be a turning point for the team. Both players bring unique strengths to the table—Podziemski’s rebounding and playmaking, and Payton’s defensive intensity and off-ball movement. With their help, the Warriors might finally find some consistency and lighten the load on their core players. Last year Brandin complimented Gary’s playmaking skills – “He’s a perfect role player for any team, and I look up to that. Everybody wants to be Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, but sometimes you can’t be that, and you got to find your role to get on the court and help your team win championships“.
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For now, the focus remains on the road trip and clawing their way back up the standings. With games against tough opponents like the Pacers and Timberwolves ahead, the Warriors can’t afford to slip further. But if Podziemski and Payton return soon, there’s hope that the team can stabilize and rediscover their rhythm. The road ahead is tough, but this is the Warriors we’re talking about. They’ve been here before, and with a mix of patience, smart decisions, and maybe a little luck, they might just find a way to turn things around.
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