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Kendra AndrewsESPN
SAN FRANCISCO — Although it seems unlikely, Golden State Warriorsguard Gary Payton IICoach Steve Kerr suggested that he might be able return to the Western Conference Finals.
Kerr stated that while we don’t rule him out of the conference finals, we aren’t saying he won’t play. He would have to be very far away for it to happen, but I believe it’s possible.
Payton broke his left elbow during Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals, against the Memphis GrizzliesWhen Dillon BrooksPayton was headbutted by a man who was trying to dunk during a fastbreak.
Payton was originally thought to have missed approximately one month.
Brooks was expelled from the game following the Flagrant 2 foul. He was then suspended from Game 3. Kerr stated Brooks had “broken the code” by his foul. This was not well received by the Grizzlies who claimed Brooks is not a dirty play.
Brooks claims that Payton and Brooks have spoken since and have cleared all the air.
Payton said, “It is all good.” It’s a basketball play. I’m sure he meant it. There are no hard feelings or bad blood.”
“NBA playoff foul. That’s it. It’s what it is. It happened. It just happened. It’s over now. It’s gone. It’s behind me. I just try to continue to work, strengthen my arm, and get back. Get ready to come back to help my teammates.”
Payton initially thought that he was just hyperextended his elbow. Payton thought he was just hyperexerting his elbow. However, he received an MRI and discovered that it was a broken bone.
Payton, who is left handed, has stopped wearing a brace. However, he is unable to go back to upper body training. His main work consisted of conditioning and strengthening his lower body.
Kerr stated that although he won’t be playing to begin the series, the good news is that he can do many things on the court because despite having an elbow. He is able work his conditioning, his movement. It would take a lot longer for a knee to or foot injury to fully recover.
Kerr said, “All things considered, Gary is doing very well. We just don’t yet know his availability. However, he’s able to keep his conditioning up and does some things out on court, which is vital.
Payton stated that time is the most important thing to get back on the court.
Payton stated that he is feeling better and getting better each day. However, it will take time. “We are not trying to put a deadline on when I can (come back), or when I cannot (come back). Take it one day at time.