After months of recovering from abdominal surgery, Portland Trail Blazers guard Gary Payton II made his season debut to great effect against the Detroit Pistons Monday night. He played 13 minutes off the bench, recording seven points and four assists while dodging well with his teammates – particularly rookie guard Shaedon Sharpe.
The Trail Blazers went on to win the game 135-106.
Afterwards, Payton was available to speak to members of the media about his recovery and debut.
About the recovery process
Frustrating. Frustrating. Period. Just frustration. I was just tired of watching all my boys out there and the only way I can play and help is to go out and just play. So, I think the biggest part of the frustration was that I just can’t be out there at that moment, you know, just to help my team. But now that I’m here, we had a damn good game. Especially in the second half. We just flew everywhere and I just think the energy is contagious and got everyone energized. Shaedon is taking the full seat now, so I really like that about him and, you know, just being disruptive. He needs to stop lazing around a lot, but he’s doing a good job.
On Shaedon Sharpe
Everyone is helping to mold the young lads but especially in one game things are going too fast or they are just picking up the pace of the game and all they really need is someone to guide them and just be with them talks you. I grew up in that league and I just pass it on naturally. But he listens and that’s one of the biggest things about him that he’s trainable, so that’ll help him along the way.
Depends on availability
Yes, that’s more on CB (Chauncey Billups). I’ve already told him that, you know, if you need me in situations, I don’t care 12 minutes. If we have to do something at the end of the games or whatever, let’s just do it and get the win. I think we’re on the same page there and so is the coaching staff. I won’t kill myself and I know they won’t let me get killed so I’m available.
Payton made an important contribution to the defense of the Golden State Warriors in the 2021-22 NBA season. The Trail Blazers hope he can emulate that tenacity here in Portland and help elevate the team to a higher level of success. He’s off to a good start.