With the Golden State Warriors making moves in the NBA offseason to get more help for Stephen Curry, the remaining roster spots are quickly thinning down.
Young guard Gary Payton II is one of the guys battling for a slot and he's been solid so far in the NBA Summer League. He joined the Warriors late last season, providing defensive energy off the bench as one of Curry's relievers. But it remains to be seen if he will be given another chance by the team. The son of NBA legend Gary Payton, however, is quite optimistic (via NBC Sports Bay Area).
“I feel confident. The way they play and the way I play, it’s a perfect fit. 30 (Stephen Curry) is going to have the ball, so all I have to do is cut, make the right plays, hit open shots like I’ve been doing here, and just continue to play defense.”
The 28-year-old Payton indeed proved last season that can be a menace on the defensive end with his quickness, wide physique, and dogged mentality. It's worth noting that he's a former Defensive Player of the Year in the G League. So yeah, the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.
Payton acknowledged he won't get a lot of touches with the Warriors, with Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Jordan Poole in the fold. But he said his role is very clear to him.
“I’m going to take the right shots. Since I’ve been here, just take wide-open shots. Gotta make the open shots. It feels great. That’s all I’ve been doing this summer, just taking the right shots and shooting game-like shots that I’m going to get in the regular season.”
Maybe Gary Payton II should send this article to Stephen Curry.
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