Gary Payton isn’t shy about who he thinks belongs on an all-time starting five. The Hall of Fame point guard recently revealed his dream lineup, slotting himself alongside some of the game’s greatest legends.
“If you want me to put myself in there, and I really don’t put myself in there, I’ll be at the point. The two, I’d probably put Michael Jordan. The three, I’d put Kobe. The four, I’d put Shawn Kemp, and I would have to always do this for center, I’d put Wilt Chamberlain,” said Payton during a recent visit to the Philippines.
Even more shockingly, Payton revealed Chamberlain as his GOAT over even Michael and Kobe. Unlike most people, he dismisses the notion that the 60s era was watered down.
“I think Wilt Chamberlain was the greatest center to ever play,” Payton added. “Everybody praises his records, you see how everybody tries to break his records, but they don’t give it to him because they say he played in the 60s, but that doesn’t matter. He was 17 to 18 years old sometime in his life and he could play so that would be my five.”
NBA all-time lists are subjective, but it’s always interesting to hear it from a former superstar like Payton. The NBA Hall of Famer is an NBA champion, nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA player, and former Defensive Player of the Year. Over 17 years in the league, he averaged 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.
As good as he was in the 90s and early 2000s, Payton would not put himself at the point if he had a choice. Objectively, there are plenty of other qualified options. Still, you have to give Payton credit for what he accomplished during his NBA stint.
At shooting guard, most fans and players would name Michael Jordan, and Payton is another who follows that trend. In this case, however, it’s understandable given that he got to compete against Michael at the peak of his powers. As a six-time champion, five-time MVP, and 14x All-Star, MJ’s legacy is undeniable, and there’s a reason why so many still recognize him as the GOAT over 20 years after his retirement.
The small forward spot is where things begin to get controversial. Most would agree that LeBron James is the greatest player ever at the position, but Payton picked Kobe instead. While Kobe’s stats may not be as impressive as LeBron’s, Bryant’s relentless drive and unrelenting spirit left a strong impression on Payton, and he believes it gives him a special place in the NBA hierarchy.
Not to forget one of his most trusted teammates, Payton also gave a nod to Shawn Kemp. Rather than Tim Duncan or Kevin Garnett, the former point guard made room for former NBA power forward Shawn Kemp, who averaged 16.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game for the SuperSonics. He may not have the same resume or stats as the other names, but his role was important, and it gave Payton some of the best stretches of his career.
Finally, there’s Wilt Chamberlain at center. Shaquille O’Neal or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the popular choice for most people, but he decided to go with Wilt to pay respect to a previous generation. Wilt only finished with one championship, but his legacy remains as one of the most dominant players in basketball history. The four-time MVP and 13x-All-Star averaged 30.1 points, 22.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game for his career.
Ultimately, Payton’s lineup is less about analytics and resumes and more about respect, legacy, and personal connection. By choosing Jordan, Kobe, Wilt, and his longtime running mate, Shawn Kemp, he gave fans a glimpse into the players who defined his career and shaped his view of the game. It may not match the consensus top five, but it’s a reminder that greatness isn’t always measured by rings or stats. Sometimes, it’s also about who left the deepest impact.
