Trail Blazers Big Off-Season Signing Set To Make Season Debut

It was a big coup in the offseason when the Portland Trail Blazers signed free agent defensive specialist Gary Payton II away from the champion Golden State Warriors. Unfortunately, he underwent surgery for a core muscle injury shortly thereafter, and hasn't been ready to play... until now. Payton will finally make his season debut tonight.

Portland Trail Blazers swingman Gary Payton II is listed available to make his season debut on Monday vs. the Detroit Pistons.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 2, 2023

Payton II signed a 3-year, $26M deal with Portland in the offseason. His recovery process from the surgery wasn't supposed to last past opening night. But as he continued to work towards a return, he experienced intermittent soreness, pushing back his debut. Now, 35 games later, he's ready to go.

And it couldn't come at a better time for the Blazers, who've lost four of their last five and had just eight players in uniform plus the 2 two-ways for Friday night’s loss to Payton's old team, the Golden State Warriors. It was a good night for Gary, however, as he received his championship ring.

" Young Glove " got his ring. Former Warrior (now Portland Trailblazer) Gary Payton II had his moment in front of friends and family at Chase Center as he received his NBA Championship Ring @warriors @KPIXtv @Garydwayne pic.twitter.com/TvmrUe7BNS
— vernkpix (@vernKPIX) December 31, 2022