Gary Payton II is one of the premier perimeter defenders in this league, and there’s no doubt that he has been a valuable role player for the Golden State Warriors. He is very capable of hounding opposing ballhandlers and using his athleticism and quickness to his advantage on the defensive end.
Despite his current value to the Golden State Warriors, there was once a time when he got cut from the roster. An article by Kendra Andrews of ESPN recently revealed that Payton approached assistant coach Jama Mahlalela to try and become a video coordinator after getting cut. However ultimately, Jama Mahlalela convinced him to stay the course with his career, and eventually, Payton was signed to a roster spot with the Warriors.
Gary Payton II, 29, has had a basketball career full of rejection. He has been cut from teams four times in six years and spent five years toiling in the NBA’s G League.
And he’d just been cut again.
Payton knew there was an opening in the Golden State Warriors’ video coordination department, so he approached assistant coach Jama Mahlalela.
It was an opportunity, he thought, to still contribute and participate.
“I was dead serious,” Payton says. “If I get cut, I’m going to audition for that job. … I was just trying to stay around. I’d still be around the game, I could still help, travel whatnot. And then figure it out from there.”
But Mahlalela had other plans.
“I just talked to him about the criteria for the video room: A willing learner, someone who can get on the court still and play, whatever. And he’s like, ‘I’ll do that,'” Mahlalela says. “And I’m like, Gary, I’m not letting you do that. There is no chance in the world you are going to do that. You are playing for this team.”
After nearly two decades of learning to adapt in the face of adversity, Payton was signed to Golden State’s 15th and final roster spot four days after his conversation with Mahlalela.
There is no doubt that Gary Payton II has proven that he has what it takes to play in the league. His defense will always be valuable for teams, especially for teams that are gunning for the championship. Stephen Curry has praised the guard for his “pretty crazy” defense previously as well, and it’s clear the superstar holds a high opinion of his teammate.
Hopefully, we see Gary Payton II’s contributions shine on the biggest stage these playoffs. The Warriors will need him to guard top-tier guards throughout the postseason, and Gary Payton II will certainly rise up to the challenge.
