Gary Payton II has made a name for himself as one of the NBA’s more inspirational stories. Entering the NBA as an undrafted free agent, Payton had bounced around from team to team before latching on with the Golden State Warriors, where he not only found a home but also won a title in 2022.
Payton has remained in the Golden State since then (for the most part) and has been a consistent role player for them over the past two-and-a-half seasons. He reflected on what it’s been like to be a journeyman.
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Gary Payton II Talks NBA Journey & Time With the Warriors
From 2017 to 2021, Payton bounced around from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Los Angeles Lakers to the Washington Wizards before catching on with the Warriors in 2021.
In an exclusive interview with PFSN, Payton explained how things just clicked once he got to Golden State, and how they shared the same vision.
“Once I got to the Warriors, I think, just the way that they go about, the organization and how they play, and the players that they acquire. It just fits perfectly for me,” Payton said.
“… adapting is not really hard. I just really want to win, so I adapt to winning. And this is a winning organization. They know how to win, and know what it takes to win. So I think when you get those two combined, good things happen.”
Payton then delved into what it was like to be part of their title team and why the Warriors have been a home to him.
“(In 2022) I was able to do it, those winning ways. And now, just it’s becoming a home for me to be here. And they trust me and let me be me here. So think that’s the best thing to allow myself to play at the highest level I can.”
Having played for several teams for short periods before joining the Warriors, Payton had a message for those who are struggling to find a place in the NBA like he once did.
“You might go through a few teams. Some other guys have gone through half the teams just to continue to try to find that one team. It’s a lot of teams out there, but, with dedication and reps and just what you put into it, there’s no need to lay it down in order to get discouraged… Everybody’s looking, but once that one team finds you, it could be a good home for you.”
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The Golden State Warriors have had a variety of players they’ve tried to add alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, who haven’t exactly fit, which led to the team casting them out.
However, in Payton’s case, the Warriors have consistently sought to secure his place on the team since 2021. Payton explained why the Warriors have wanted to keep him around.
“Every team needs a certain guy that does certain things for that team to help them win,” Payton said.
“Essentially, I’m just whatever you need, a glue guy. So I understand what they’re trying to do. I understand how Steph and Draymond like to play, and the guys that they get, Jimmy (Butler), so just make it easier for them, and they appreciate what I do and what I bring to the game.”
Payton admitted that all he wanted was the chance to prove himself to a winning team, which is exactly what he got with the Warriors, leading to their mutually beneficial relationship.
“That’s the only thing that I asked for growing up. I mean, coming up into this journey that some teams might have not saw, but I go upstate, you know, getting my shot. And let me go out there and be me, and let me show them that I know how to win basketball games.”
He added, “So, when you find a guy like that, it really does everything for you. I’m sure usually you do tend to keep when you try to keep them, and we have that relationship where we understand each other.”
The Warriors have managed to stay relevant even as Curry and Green have aged. Payton may not be the primary reason why the team has remained in the playoff hunt, but he has undoubtedly contributed to it.
Gary Payton II’s New Partnership With the Skateboard Association
It was confirmed back in September that Payton had co-founded the SBA (Skateboard Association) with Sheldon Lewis and Royce Campbell. This newfound association is the first co-ed skateboarding league offering equal pay to male and female athletes. Their mission is all about inclusion.
While talking with PFSN, Payton explained why equal pay for co-ed skateboarders has been the SBA’s goal.
“It kind of eliminates that argument, from gender and literally focuses on just skill and dedication to the sport. So, you should get paid equal to do the same thing. You can’t really argue, or, say somebody has an advantage or whatnot. So I think just doing that for both sides, or eliminate that process. But also, you guys are getting compensated just the same to do what you guys have been doing your whole life.”
Payton, who grew up as a skateboarder, also explained the long-term vision for the SBA.
“(The) long-term vision is just really for the culture and for skateboarding. This culture of skateboarding provides a platform where you can go. You really don’t have a platform where you can turn on the TV and go to a skateboard channel and watch your favorite skaters and see what’s going on around the skateboard league as easily as you can do other sports.
“So for us to try to provide that and try to make that an everyday thing. It’s more than what we’re trying to make right now and build is just more for the community and for a younger generation to grow up and be able to reach skateboard. You know how easy it is to reach any other sport now.”
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