The Golden State Warriors will be hoping they can retain shooting guard Gary Payton II who has finally started to succeed in the NBA. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this offseason after playing 71 games with Golden State.
What has made Payton II a household name after an impressive NBA Finals is what every team needs, a defensive stopper that’s unselfish offensively. Teams like Atlanta, Brooklyn, and even Phoenix could’ve certainly used the 29-year-old’s talents.
The Golden State Warriors may have to pay Gary Payton II as almost every team in the league could use that the defensive stopper brings to the table.
After being cut multiple times and having several stints in the G-League, Payton II finally broke into the rotation, having survived the final preseason cuts. The Warriors took Payton II over Avery Bradley, a decision that paid dividends.
Payton II found himself as a key part of the rotation, playing in 71 games. While the 71 games are impressive, what further that accomplishment is that he’s in the later parts of his prime yet has played 142 career games in the NBA.
The guard finally was able to show his defensive aptitude which seemed to be passed down from his father. He is a lockdown defender and is elite against larger guards and forwards, often being matched up on forward Jayson Tatum.
In the Finals, Payton II had a 45% defensive field goal percentage which was better than the likes of Klay Thompson or Al Horford. He’s a stud defensively, and what couples well with that is his efficiency offensively.
This season, he shot 62% from the field and 36% from deep. He averaged just 7.1 points per game which isn’t going to blow anyone away, but given his two-way threat coupled with his efficiency, Payton II is a player most teams should crave.
While he may stay loyal to Golden State in free agency, it would be shocking if he doesn’t see a better offer cross his plate. Payton II has a unique skill set, one which should be craved by every team in the league.