Gary Payton Embraces Golden State Warriors Being Counted Out

Gary Payton II is embracing low expectations for the Golden State Warriors entering the 2026-27 NBA season, drawing comparisons to their 2021-22 championship run. Coming off a 37-win season, the veteran guard highlighted the team's mix of star power with Steph Curry and Draymond Green, alongside key rehabilitations for Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody. Payton, who played a career-high 73 games last year, believes a healthy Warriors squad will pose major problems for the rest of the league.