Gary Payton II: Carving His Own Path, Chasing Postseason Dreams, and Championing Seattle’s Basketball Revival
Gary Payton II, son of NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, has spent nine seasons etching his own name into the NBA landscape. While his father’s legacy looms large, the younger Payton has carved a unique path marked by defensive tenacity, hustle, and a championship pedigree. As he navigates his second stint with the Golden State Warriors, Payton remains focused on contributing to a deep playoff run and realizing a long-held dream of seeing basketball return to his hometown of Seattle.
Payton’s journey hasn’t been a straightforward ascent. He’s bounced around the league, showcasing his skills and proving his worth as a valuable role player. His defensive prowess and high-energy play have made him a coveted asset, culminating in an NBA title with the Warriors in 2022. Now, back in the Bay Area, Payton is determined to help the Warriors climb the Western Conference standings and make a significant impact in the postseason.
Currently, the Warriors find themselves in a precarious position, holding the eighth seed in the West with a 31-27 record through 58 games. This placement would land them in the play-in tournament, a high-stakes scenario where teams seeded seventh through tenth battle for the final playoff spots. For a team with championship aspirations, avoiding the play-in is paramount. Payton and the Warriors understand the urgency of the situation and are committed to making a strong push in the remaining games of the regular season.
A significant boost to their playoff hopes has come in the form of Jimmy Butler, acquired from the Miami Heat before the trade deadline. Butler’s arrival has injected a new level of intensity and versatility into the Warriors’ lineup. Payton lauded the addition, emphasizing Butler’s skill, basketball IQ, and relentless competitiveness. "The Jimmy addition is amazing," Payton said. "His skill, his IQ, and what he brings… Jimmy is just a dog. He loves to hoop."
Butler’s impact has been immediate. In his first seven games with the Warriors, he’s averaged 18 points, six rebounds, and 5.4 assists, seamlessly integrating into the team’s offensive and defensive schemes. Payton emphasized Butler’s adaptability and fit within the Warriors’ system. "He goes out there and plays his heart out, and he is a great fit for us," Payton explained. "He can play big or small, but just that addition to what Draymond and Steph bring for us, it’s just amazing… We will continue to figure it out and get him accustomed to everything, but it won’t be too hard. He is a high IQ level guy and loves to play the right way."
The early returns have been promising, with the Warriors winning six of their first seven games with Butler on the court. His presence alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green creates a formidable trio capable of leading the Warriors deep into the playoffs.
While Butler is the new focal point, Payton’s role remains crucial. He provides valuable minutes off the bench, offering defensive energy, timely scoring, and veteran leadership. This season, he’s averaging 5.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 13.4 minutes per game, starting in 10 of the 46 games he’s played. Payton understands his role and embraces the opportunity to contribute to the team’s success.
Beyond his contributions on the court, Payton carries a deep connection to the city of Seattle. Growing up in the Emerald City, he witnessed firsthand the passion and excitement surrounding the Seattle SuperSonics, where his father starred for 13 seasons. The departure of the Sonics for Oklahoma City left a void in the city’s sporting landscape, a void that Payton deeply feels.
As the NBA considers future expansion, Seattle has emerged as a leading candidate to host a new franchise. Payton is a vocal advocate for bringing basketball back to his hometown. "Personally, that’s all I’ve ever wanted since they’ve left," Payton explained. "Growing up and being around the Sonics and the KeyArena, and now being in the position I’m in today, I’ve always wanted to go back home and play. Hopefully, in the next couple of years, they can figure it out and bring it back and that my dad is a part of it."
The NBA has shown signs of interest in Seattle, hosting preseason games in the city in recent years. The Climate Pledge Arena, formerly the KeyArena, underwent significant renovations in 2021 and now hosts the NHL’s Seattle Kraken and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, demonstrating the city’s capacity to support professional sports teams.
Payton believes that Seattle deserves a men’s basketball team. "I think (Seattle) still deserves a men’s hoop team," Payton said. "They are doing an amazing job with the Storm and now the Kraken down there. It’s a great fan base, and the city has proved that they deserve the Sonics back."
The Kraken’s success, including their upset of the defending champion Colorado Avalanche in their inaugural playoff series, further underscores the city’s passion for sports. The Storm, a WNBA mainstay since 2000, has won four league championships, providing Seattle with a consistent basketball presence.
Adding to his endeavors both on and off the court, Payton recently invested in Suplmnt, a Black-owned water bottle brand. He joined the company as an equity stakeholder, supporting its mission to promote hydration within the Black and Brown communities. The bottles are uniquely designed, embodying cultural art and fashion. He was first exposed to the brand through his best friend and business partner. The brand was founded by Jarius Morris, who noticed a lack of diversity within the water bottle industry and the need to inspire Black and Brown people to stay hydrated.
As Payton enters the final stretch of the season, his focus remains on helping the Warriors achieve their playoff goals. He is in the final year of his contract, but it is still unclear where he will play next season, his aspirations remain high. While his future in the NBA beyond this season remains uncertain, his commitment to his team, his community, and his desire to see basketball thrive in Seattle are unwavering. Gary Payton II is more than just the son of a Hall of Famer; he is a determined player, a dedicated advocate, and a champion for his city.
