The son former NBA players often inherit the talent of their father, but not necessarily the style of play. The proof, the son of a legend is currently shining, in a style that completely shocks the man who has it raised. So much so that he suspects an infidelity of his wife.
The Warriors are definitely a team of “sons of” … Indeed, Golden State has been relying for several years on Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, son of two famous former NBA players who combine 28 seasons of league experience, and some great records. And this season, they can also count on Gary Payton II, son of the legendary leader of the Sonics. Moreover, it shines as rarely in the Steve Kerr system.
The Warriors have added a new play for Gary Payton II when bigs guard him.
-Payton comes up for fake ball screen, his defender is drawn toward Steph Curry double
-Payton spins into quick roll down the lane
-Curry passes it to the elbow
-Iguodala/Draymond lobs it over the top pic.twitter.com/orwoaW1dqE— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 8, 2021
Gary Payton surprised by his son’s level at the Warriors
At 28 years old, and after long seasons spent in the G League, Gary Payton, second of the name, finally finds his place to the delight of his father. He distinguished himself with his particularly stifling defense and his rapid adaptation in the yet very complex system of Steve Kerr. In an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area, the Hall of Famer spoke about the level of his son and his biggest quality, the physique.
I am so happy for him. I always knew he could do what he does now and that he had the level to play in the NBA, he just needed a good opportunity. Now he has it with the Warriors. He was always with me, he watched what I was doing. He inherited my sense of defense. He has long arms, and he is extremely mobile in his feet and hands.
He moves surprisingly well, he is very active on the pitch. He’s just too athletic to be my son. I wonder if the postman came to see my wife on a day when I was out of town. In the end, it doesn’t matter where his athleticism comes from, I’m just glad he took advantage of it.
During his long career, Gary Payton had to be absent on numerous occasions, which makes his theory more than credible. But beyond the joke, his son is simply part of a much more explosive generation than in the past, which allows him not only to defend well, but also to pose a few dunks that breathe extra soul into the Warriors. At 28, the son of Glove finally explodes at the highest level!
Gary Payton would no doubt have liked to have the same physique as his son. At a time when you had to elbow your way to gain respect, he would have been even more dominant.
