Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso has turned himself into one of the most popular players in the NBA. But beyond his everyman look, it's his hustle and tenacity that has made him such a valuable contributor for winning teams. The Golden State Warriors could definitely use a player like that.
Gary Payton II is doing his best to fill that role in Golden State. After the Warriors' resounding win over the Bulls on Friday night, GP2 spoke out on how Alex Caruso has been an inspiration for his own career.
Via Warriors insider Anthony Slater:
“He had his opportunities with the Lakers. He did what he did, helped them win a championship. From there, he's just been up,” said Payton II. ” I'm just motivated by what he did. Just trying to find a spot somewhere and help a team in different ways.”
Both Gary Payton II and Alex Caruso found their starts in the G League and were teammates on the South Bay Lakers. Even when AC moved up to the NBA, they two still kept in touch. Asked if he sees similarities in their games, Payton was more than happy to admit that they're cut from the same cloth.
“Absolutely. We change the games in so many different ways,” continued the Warriors guard. “We put on a hat on our defensive abilities. … watching him make it all the way to the Finals and helping his team win the championship just made me buckle down and go that much harder … I actually look up to him quite a lot.”
Gary Payton II is in a prime position to follow exactly in Alex Caruso's footsteps on a title-contending team like the Warriors. As long as he continues to impact the game defensively and bring energy off the bench, Steve Kerr will definitely find minutes for him.
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