He isn't his dad. He’s never going to be the guy who drops 25 points while talking a hole through your chest, but that was never the point of Gary Payton II.
The value of Gary Payton II stats has always been about what doesn't show up in the box score, though lately, the numbers are starting to tell a pretty wild story of their own. If you’ve watched the Golden State Warriors at all during this 2025-26 stretch, you know the vibe changes the second he checks in. It’s like the energy in the arena just... shifts.
The Raw Numbers: 2025-26 Season Breakdown
Right now, as we sit in January 2026, the traditional counting stats might look a little underwhelming if you're just glancing at a ticker.
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Payton is currently averaging around 4.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
Doesn't scream "All-Star," right? But here’s the kicker: he’s doing that in just about 12 to 15 minutes of action. He’s basically a human espresso shot. When Steve Kerr throws him out there, he’s usually tasked with guarding the other team’s best perimeter player, diving for a loose ball, or somehow out-rebounding guys who have six inches on him.
Honestly, his rebounding numbers are what catch me off guard the most. Just a few days ago against Sacramento, he nearly messed around and got a double-double, finishing with 12 points and 9 boards in only 18 minutes. For a 6'2" guard, that's legitimately insane.
Shooting and Efficiency
You won't see him hunting for his own shot often. He knows his role. His field goal percentage this season is hovering around 54.2%, which is solid for a guard, but it’s mostly because he’s a master of the "dunker spot." He lurks along the baseline, waits for a defender to lose track of him while they're staring at Steph Curry, and then—boom—he’s at the rim for an easy deuce.
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- Field Goal %: 54.2% (mostly at the rim)
- Three-Point %: 27.5% (struggling a bit here lately)
- Free Throw %: 50.0% (definitely a weak spot this year)
The shooting from deep has been a bit of a rollercoaster. He’s never been a knockdown shooter, but that 27% mark is a dip from the 33-35% range we saw during the 2022 championship run.
Why Advanced Metrics Love Gary Payton II
If you want to understand why he still gets minutes despite the low scoring, you have to look at the defensive impact.
His "Young Glove" nickname isn't just a marketing gimmick. According to recent 3StepsBasket data, his defensive percentile remains high even as he gets older. He’s currently 33, and while some of that vertical explosiveness has been tempered by injuries—like that nagging left ankle sprain he just returned from—his hands are as fast as ever.
The "On-Off" numbers for the Warriors are often telling. Even in limited minutes, the defensive efficiency of the second unit usually spikes when he’s on the floor. He has this weird ability to play like a cornerback in the NFL. He’ll bait a pass, jump the lane, and ignite a fast break before the other team even realizes the ball is gone.
The Injury Factor
It hasn't been all smooth sailing. Payton’s career has been defined by his "go hard or go home" mentality, but that takes a toll.
He’s already missed time this January with a sprained ankle. Earlier in the season, there were whispers that he was being "iced out" of the rotation because his minutes dropped into the single digits. But as the season has progressed and the Warriors have dealt with a crowded backcourt—trying to balance vets like Buddy Hield with younger guys like Will Richard—Payton has proven he’s still the "break glass in case of emergency" defender they need.
The Contract and the Future
Back in September 2025, Payton signed a one-year deal for about $3.3 million. It was a veteran minimum exception, basically a "show me" deal to prove he can still stay healthy and contribute.
He’s heading toward unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2026.
At this stage, he’s a specialist. He isn't going to get a $10 million-a-year offer anymore, but for a contender looking for a 15-minute defensive stopper, he’s still worth his weight in gold.
Final Thoughts: What to Watch For
When you're tracking Gary Payton II stats for the rest of the season, don't just look at the points. Watch the "Deflections" and the "Offensive Rebounds." Those are the indicators that tell you if he’s still got that burst.
If he can keep his rebounding average above 3.0 while playing under 15 minutes, he’s essentially playing like a small-ball center in a guard’s body. That versatility is exactly why the Warriors keep bringing him back home.
Next Steps for Fans and Analysts:
Check the Warriors' defensive rating specifically during the first six minutes of the second quarter. If Payton is on the floor, compare the opponent's turnover rate to when he's on the bench. You'll likely see a significant jump in forced errors, which is the "hidden" stat that keeps his NBA career alive.