Gary Payton II will need to face the ultimate test if he returns to the Warriors
The Golden State Warriors, throughout the course of this offseason, have seemed poised to bring in multiple veteran guards that could fit rather quickly into head coach Steve Kerr's system.
Yet, perhaps the most important piece this offseason, Gary Payton II, has gone relatively unnoticed as one of the potential signees for Golden State, and, if he does return to The Bay, his skill-set will be absolutely vital to keeping the bench unit in sync.
If organizations learned anything from last year's NBA Finals, it's that depth wins championships, and, as the Warriors attempt to build some of their own, Payton must take on his ultimate role as an intense, hustling defensive phenom.
Gary Payton II must enter his final form if he returns to the Warriors this offseason
Payton, last season with Golden State, averaged 6.5 points, three rebounds and 1.3 assists on just 15 minutes per night largely off the bench. As a veteran with both wide experience across the league and lengthy experience with the Warriors, he has slowly but surely earned the trust of Kerr across his two stints with the team.
Yet, as the offseason began, it appeared as though Payton was ready to walk in free agency. Nevertheless, Payton's name has almost always been included among the guards that Golden State has been consistently linked to this offseason.
While a number of these guards, including Malcolm Brogdon and Seth Curry, would present a different skill-set than Payton, Payton's familiarity with the system and penchant to make winning plays has to make him an attractive target on a veteran minimum for the front office.
If Payton were to return, however, his role would become increasingly important for the team. With a probably bench unit of Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield and maybe even Brandin Podziemski, the Warriors have the potential to be seriously dangerous on that front.
Yet, many of these player's skill-sets are scattered and disjointed with one another, and they would desperately need a strong defender and an intense, smart ball-handler to help the unit reach their fast-paced, high-flying potential.
While someone like Brogdon, who averaged 4.1 assists last season, might seem like the ideal fit, Payton's pure energy and schematic fit make him the absolutely perfect player to slot into this role for the Warriors.
Therefore, if Payton does return to The Bay, he could be in line for the greatest challenge of his career to this point: keeping the bench unit cohesive and helping to propel Golden State back into contention.
Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill Sends Blunt Message on Brutal Loss to Colts
The NFL season is off and running, but there is no reason to celebrate in South Beach.
The Miami Dolphins were crushed 33-8 against Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts, who nearly doubled Miami in total scrimmage yards.
Star receiver Tyreek Hill is not happy and was visibly frustrated during the game.
Postgame, he had a blunt message.
“This was a big kick in the balls for us,” Hill told reporters.
Tyreek Hill Visibly Frustrated on Miami Sideline
Hill, 31, had a team-high 40 receiving yards with four catches on Sunday.
In Week 18 last season, Hill pulled himself from the Dolphins’ lineup and hinted at wanting to move on, citing his belief that Miami wasn’t a true contender.
“This is the first time I haven’t been in the playoffs,” Hill told reporters in January. “I just gotta do what’s best for me and my family. If that’s here or wherever the case may be, I’m gonna open that door for myself. I’m opening the door. I’m out, bro.”
But headed into the season, Hill said he was content with his situation in Miami.
And still, that didn’t stop him from throwing a fit on the sidelines Sunday.
Sideline frustration is natural in the middle of a blowout, but Hill’s visible reactions to the Dolphins’ struggles will draw extra scrutiny—particularly if the team doesn’t turn things around soon.
Miserable Sunday of Injuries for the Dolphins
It was a miserable Sunday for the Dolphins on the injury front, as well.
They lost right guard James Daniels to a pectoral injury on its third offensive snap, while cornerback Storm Duck was carted to the locker room late in the first half with a left ankle injury. Neither returned.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 14 of 23 passes for 114 yards but threw two interceptions and lost a fumble on one of three sacks. The Dolphins managed just 78 rushing yards, while Hill and Jaylen Waddle were limited to eight catches for 70 yards combined.
Waddle appeared to injure his shoulder or arm during a reception Sunday. No official update has been provided by the Dolphins.
The Indianapolis Colts Provided the Surprise of the Day
The Colts couldn’t have had a better performance on the day Indianapolis recognized the contributions of team owner Jim Irsay, who died in May.
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 07: Daniel Jones #17 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Jones, who attempts to lead the Colts at QB after years with the New York Giants, accounted for three touchdowns—two on the ground and one through the air. Jones completed 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards—including a career-best 197 in the first half—as Indy scored on all seven drives.
The Colts’ win snapped the NFL’s longest active opening-day drought at 11 games, giving them a 1-0 start for the first time since 2013.
New defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo made an impressive debut, with the Colts coming within six and a half minutes of securing their first shutout since December 2021.
