The Golden State Warriors won their third NBA championship last night, taking a commanding 3-1 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Warriors have been worth every penny for years now, and Kevin Durant has shown up to show off his skills time after time this postseason. Many people are wondering what’s next for KD as he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2018. Though it may be difficult, don’t expect any less from him even if he does decide to take his talents elsewhere.
Gary Payton Jr. is the son of NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton. Gary Jr. has been a key contributor for the Golden State Warriors this season, averaging 10 points and 3 assists per game.
Gary Payton’s road to the NBA was more traditional, but Gary Payton II’s has been everything but. Despite this, the “Young Glove” is making a name for himself as a valuable reserve for the Golden State Warriors.
After graduating from Oregon State in 2016, Payton went undrafted. Payton failed to stay in the NBA despite following in the footsteps of his more renowned father as a ferocious on-ball defender. His early contributions to the Dubs, though, make him a valuable asset for Golden State while it waits for Klay Thompson’s return.
Gary Payton II was signed by the Warriors to fill the last roster space.
Gary Payton II was on the verge of becoming jobless for the 2021-22 NBA season.
Payton was released by the Warriors at the conclusion of the preseason, but they later announced that he had been signed to a contract to fill their 15th and last roster position. Payton must have breathed a sigh of relief at the news.
In the last several years, the 28-year-old has traveled about the NBA, playing for five different teams and spending the most of his time in the G League. His longest stretch was with the Washington Wizards in the 2019-20 season, when he appeared in 29 games. Payton appeared in 10 games for the Warriors last season, although he only played 4.0 minutes per game.
Even after being given the last roster slot, Payton’s position with this Warriors squad looked to be just as confusing. However, his defensive playmaking and unexpected off-ball abilities have made him an essential reserve for the Dubs.
Payton inspires the Dubs and wins praise from his father, who is a Hall of Famer.
The plus-minus figures demonstrate Gary Payton II’s importance to the Warriors.
With Payton on the court, Golden State outscored its past three opponents by 68 points, the best plus-minus of any Warriors player over that time. Despite playing just over 18 minutes per game, he averaged 13.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.7 steals in the final three games. In 36 minutes, those figures translate to 27.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 5.4 steals. Isn’t it extraordinary?
It’s incredible to watch Payton playing for the team with the best record in the NBA right now. His father told NBC Sports Bay Area that he is pleased of his son’s accomplishments.
“I’m really proud of what he’s accomplished.” It’s been six years since we’ve seen one other.”
–NBC Sports Bay Area/Gary Payton Sr.
The original “Glove” went on to say that he believed his kid deserved a chance to shine. In Golden State, Payton II looks to have found it.
The talents of the Seattle native are ideal for the Warriors. He pursues the ball and makes plays in the passing lanes with his length. Payton isn’t a very good shooter or creator on offense, but he moves effectively off the ball and can serve as a baseline cutter or a transition outlet. His surprising athleticism has even astonished his colleagues.
Payton’s incredible run is crucial for the Dubs, who will depend on him even more now that youngsters Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga have been demoted to the G League to get experience.
When Thompson returns from injury, the issue may become how the Warriors will keep Payton engaged.
Will Payton continue to get playing time after Klay Thompson returns to the lineup?
On November 5, 2021, in San Francisco, California, Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after dunking the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center | Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
For the time being, GP2 is prospering. When Klay Thompson returns, though, it remains to be unclear what role he will play.
Thompson’s inevitable return, for starters, takes up a roster place. When second-year big man James Wiseman returns to the court, the same can be said. In addition, the Dubs’ backcourt is a little congested.
In Thompson’s absence, Jordan Poole and Damion Lee are receiving plenty of playing time. When Thompson returns, both of them should be able to see more time. What does this mean for Payton?
The good news for Payton is that his ability to defend either guard position might enable the Cavaliers to go smaller and give Klay more opportunities at the 3-point line. This suggests a position in the rotation, which may be required considering Payton’s defensive prowess.
These will, if anything, be positive difficulties for head coach Steve Kerr. Meanwhile, Payton is an important part of a Warriors team that is on the rise.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics.
RELATED: Before returning to the Bulls in 1995, Michael Jordan secretly practiced with the Warriors: ‘Once Michael got warmed up, it was clear that his goal was to essentially kick Spree and Tim in the shins.’
The “golden state warriors nbc” is a young player on the Golden State Warriors who has been making contributions to the team. His coach, Steve Kerr, is very excited about his performance and has said that he’s proud of what he’s doing.
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