The Golden State Warriors are right back in championship contention, 2 wins away from making it back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2019. The Warriors didn’t make it very far for the last few seasons, but their Game 2 win against the Mavericks exemplified how they’ve managed to return to this point. Golden State has excelled in finding the right role players to put around their aging but formidable stars, and even though he’s currently out injured, that includes Gary Payton II.
Before a foul by Dillon Brooks in the last round led to Payton II being put out of commission with a broken elbow, he was making quite the splash in the playoffs with his tough defense and athletic dunks. Steve Kerr addressed the youngster’s misfortune in his comments after, but the NBA world is already aware of what he can do.
And if there’s anyone who can make it through adversity, it’s Gary Payton II. He was raised by one of the toughest NBA players of all time, Gary Payton. So much so that when he was growing up, the younger Payton was coached ruthlessly by his father and while it was hard for him, credited it for making him the tenacious defender and player he is today:
“Gary Payton would always tell his son Gary Payton II that he was ‘sorry-a**’ basketball player growing up.
“’When I was young, I didn’t understand what he was trying to say. Because just the way he was saying it, and yelling, and I didn’t know how to handle it. But as I got older, I understood it.’”
Payton II will likely stay with the Warriors moving forward. He’s made too much of an impact in a supporting role not to. Steph Curry is one of his biggest fans, and that in itself is a huge compliment to the youngster. While it is often tough for players to coach their children and walk the line between parent and coach, it’s safe to say that GP has raised his son to be a fine young player and person.
