Gary Payton II is doing a terrific job with the Golden State Warriors right now. The 28-year-old guard has worked really hard to be where he is, proving his value year after year.
Following a couple of years of struggles, Payton has found his place with the Warriors where he has improved his level as a two-way player.
The Dubs boast the league-best record (8-1), demonstrating they are the real deal this season. GPII has contributed to this sweet moment, especially on the defensive end of the ball, where he’s become a nightmare for rivals.
His father, Gary Payton, recently talked about the ‘kid,’ expressing how proud he is of his son after all the hard work he put in to be where he is right now.
Via NBC Sports Bay Area:
“I’m so proud of what he’s doing,” the OG said of the YG. “It’s been six years.”
Payton II spent some time with several teams until he finally landed in Golden State. He only signed with the team hours before the start of the season and now is one of the best players on the roster.
“I’m happy that it’s in the Bay Area, it’s with a good Golden State team and they really found a place for him,” GP1 said. “They gave him the opportunity he needed. Those other teams wouldn’t let him play this way.
“I’m so satisfied with it. I knew he could do these things. I knew he could play in the league. He just had to have the right opportunity, and now he does.”
GPII has become famous for his steals and defensive work in general. That’s something his father used to do, and Payton I is happy that his son listened to his advice.
“He was around me a lot and he watched what I was doing,” GP1 said. “He just has a knack for it, with his long arms, good hands and feet. I used to tell him all the time that if you have good hands and feet, [you] can be a good defender. He moves well, and he’s very active.”
Payton II is having a terrific start to the 2021/22 NBA season and he hopes to keep things this way. The Golden State Warriors are on a mission this campaign, trying to get revenge after two seasons without reaching the playoffs.
The team’s front office assembled a great team and they’re playing great without Klay Thompson and James Wiseman. With superstars like Stephen Curry and role players like GP2 on the court, this squad looks ready to win it all although it is still too early to make that prediction.
