Basketball is a game of numbers. Usually, we look at the guys droping 30 points or snagging 15 boards. But then there's Gary Payton II. If you only look at his raw per-game averages, you're gonna miss the entire story. Honestly, the way he impacts a game is kinda legendary for a guy who spent years clawing his way out of the G-League.
He isn't his dad, but the "Young Glove" nickname fits like a... well, you know. He’s 6'2" but plays like he’s 6'9". He blocks shots that guards shouldn't reach. He dunks on centers who have half a foot on him. It's weird. It's fun. And the gary payton ii stats from this 2025-26 season show exactly why Steve Kerr keeps him close to the vest.
The 2025-26 Campaign: Efficiency Over Volume
Right now, as we move through January 2026, Payton is doing exactly what the Warriors need. He’s currently averaging about 5.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game across 38 appearances. That doesn't scream "All-Star," does it?
But look closer.
His shooting is ridiculous. He’s hitting 55.6% from the field. For a guard, that is elite efficiency. He doesn't take bad shots. He cuts to the rim when defenses fall asleep watching Steph Curry, and he finishes with those violent dunks we've all come to love.
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Recent Game Log Snapshots
To give you an idea of how much he fluctuates based on matchups:
- Jan 13 vs. Portland: 8 points, 2 steals, +11 in just 13 minutes.
- Jan 9 vs. Sacramento: 12 points, 9 rebounds (yeah, 9!), and 0 turnovers.
- Jan 5 vs. LAC: 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting.
Basically, when he gets minutes, he produces. He missed a game on January 7th due to a nagging ankle issue, which has unfortunately been a theme throughout his career. But when he's on the floor, the Warriors' defensive rating often skyrockets.
Why Advanced Metrics Love Him
If you want to understand the real value of Gary Payton II, you have to look at the "hidden" stats. His Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) is sitting at a cool 61.1%. He isn't out there chucking threes—though he’s hitting about 33.3% of them this year—he’s just incredibly smart about where he stands.
His defensive impact is where the money is. Even in limited minutes (about 12.6 per game this season), he manages to snag 0.6 steals. On a per-36-minute basis? That’s nearly 2 steals a game. He deflects passes, messes up handoffs, and generally acts like a human nuisance.
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He’s also a freakish rebounder for his size. His offensive rebound percentage is often higher than many power forwards. He has this "nose for the ball" that you just can't teach. He's currently grabbing 3.2 boards a night in very short stints. That’s pure hustle.
The Long Road: Career Highlights and Peaks
Payton wasn't an overnight success. He was undrafted in 2016. He bounced from Milwaukee to the Lakers to Washington. Most people would have quit.
His career-high for points actually came recently—he dropped 26 points against the Blazers on March 10, 2025. Before that, his high was 25 back in his Lakers days in 2018. It shows that even at 33 years old, he’s still got the juice.
| Metric | Career Average | 2025-26 Season |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Rebounds | 2.9 | 3.2 |
| Assists | 1.2 | 1.6 |
| FG% | 55.7% | 55.6% |
| Steals | 1.0 | 0.6 |
His 2021-22 season remains his "magnum opus." He played 71 games, shot 61.6%, and was a pivotal piece of the Warriors' championship run. Without his defense on guys like Jaylen Brown in the Finals, that trophy might be in Boston.
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The Injury Factor: The One Catch
We have to talk about it. The "Ankle" and "Calf" entries on his injury report are long. This season alone, he’s dealt with an ankle injury in early January and an illness in December.
Since he plays with such high intensity—basically 100 mph at all times—his body takes a beating. It’s why the Warriors manage his minutes so carefully. They’d rather have 12 minutes of "Maximum Gary" than 30 minutes of him playing at 70%.
What Really Matters for the Rest of 2026
Payton is currently on a one-year, $3.3 million veteran deal he signed in September 2025. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent again this summer.
For the Warriors, his value isn't in his PPG. It’s in his ability to be a "connector." He makes the defense better, he makes the transition game faster, and he provides a vertical threat that most backcourts lack.
If you're watching the box scores for the rest of the season, don't look at the points. Look at the +/-. Look at the steals. Look at the offensive rebounds. That is where the "Gary Payton II experience" lives.
Next Steps for Fans and Analysts:
- Watch the On/Off Splits: Next time the Warriors play, notice how the opposing point guard reacts when Payton checks in. Usually, the dribbling gets much more cautious.
- Monitor the Ankle: His availability for the playoffs will be huge. Follow the daily injury reports if you're in a deep fantasy league; he’s a "per-minute" monster but a "total minutes" risk.
- Check the Cutting Patterns: Pay attention to how he hides in the "dunker spot" (the area near the baseline). He is perhaps the best 6'2" player in NBA history at scoring from that specific spot.