The Golden State Warriors just announced that they will likely finally be adding to their rotation one of their impact players from last year's championship season for the playoff push to end the current regular season. Gary Payton II, sidelined due to a core muscle injury, participated in Warriors practice today in full and is listed as “probable” on the Warriors’ injury report for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

During Kerr's pregame press conference before the Warriors' thrilling come-from-behind victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, 120-112, Kerr had an optimistic update on GP2's health and timeline and went as far as to say he felt GP2 could make his return at some point during the teams’ homestand. Now, sure enough, it’s looking like Payton II will suit up with the intention to play on Sunday.

It will be intriguing to see how the Warriors will incorporate him during these last seven games.

To ease him into action, he’ll likely come off the bench with a minute restriction in his first couple of games, between 15 to 20 minutes, to see if he can handle the physical toll of an NBA game and to get his legs underneath him.

When he can play without a minute restriction, Golden State will look to incorporate him in a critical two-way player role. GP2 will be the seventh man off the bench and asked to provide energy and grit, especially with his on-ball defense.

Golden State's defense has been subpar, giving up 118.0 points per game, which rates 4th worst in the NBA. And their opponent’s 3-point percentage, 36.6%, rates 19th out of 30 teams. He will bring intense ball pressure that they have been lacking on the perimeter this season, which will improve their defense dramatically.

Everyone on the team is excited to see him on the court, especially his new teammate Donte DiVincenzo. In a conversation with Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area, DiVincenzo stated the aspect he's looking forward to the most while on the court with him.

"It's going to be super fun to play full-court defense, me and Gary. I look forward to it."

His defensive intensity and tenacity are unmatched around the Association, but his offensive skill set perfectly fits the Warriors' system. Payton II plays the game the right way. He can correctly space the floor, make an open corner 3, drive to the basket and finish in traffic, and make the Warriors impossible to defend when in rhythm. He also provides an aspect that the offense has been missing this year: a vertical spacing threat.

When the Warriors are at their best, they can space the floor, create open shots by moving the ball, running in transition, and put pressure on the rim. Payton II's ability to produce in the dunker’s position, catching lob passes, and providing them with a vertical spacing threat is an underrated and valuable aspect to their offense.

In a mediocre season filled with lackluster performances on the court, specifically on the road, he will try to bring positivity and joy that will likely boost morale around the organization during the season's final home stretch while battling for playoff position.

(Photo credit: David Berding/Getty)