Warriors set for unhealthy reliance on Gary Payton II after Will Richard injury

Golden State Warriors guard Will Richard will miss an indefinite period due to a torn UCL in his thumb. The injury disrupts the rotation for the Warriors, who are currently on a seven-game winning streak but already missing Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody. Writer Peter O'Keefe argues that Richard's absence will force head coach Steve Kerr to rely heavily on veteran Gary Payton II despite his underwhelming start to the season.

Payton is currently averaging 5.0 points and 1.6 rebounds in 13.4 minutes per game, shooting 22.2% from three-point range with the roster's lowest plus-minus. O'Keefe considers an increased role for Payton concerning ahead of challenging Western Conference matchups against the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets following their game against the New Orleans Pelicans.