It’s been a long time coming but Gary Payton II of the Golden State Warriors is finally getting his due.
Payton has been part of the team for only a short time – and has played for numerous other squads before them – but his impact is measurable and is helping them push through the Finals.
He’s the sort of guy who puts his all into the game and pours himself into each and every game.
Grit. pic.twitter.com/Np8FGXZSA0
— NBA (@NBA) June 14, 2022
This was on full display the other night, when Payton did several pushups while on the floor in the middle of Game 5 of the Finals.
It’s obvious that he’s got the heart and soul of a true, well, warrior.
Fans across the NBA are happy to see him finally receiving the praise and attention he deserves.
Payton’s Journey
The son of Hall of Famer Gary Payton, Payton has been playing basketball all his life and has been doing so professionally since 2016.
However, you shouldn’t feel bad if you aren’t quite familiar with him.
The guard got his start in the G League, playing for the Rio Grand Valley Vipers, before moving up to the big league with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Since then he has bounced around between NBA teams and their G League affiliates.
All in all he has played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards as well as the Wisconsin Herd, the South Bay Lakers, the Capital City Go-Go, and the Raptors 905.
As you can see, his path to the Warriors hasn’t been a straight – or easy – one.
But now that he’s with Golden State, Payton is making up for lost time and playing like a man who was just drafted and is looking to prove himself.
He’s become important to the team’s point totals but he’s more important to its attitude and determination.
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