Aside from Jordan Poole who has taken a major leap this 2021-22, the Golden State Warriors have also seen Gary Payton II grow into his own and become a huge contributor for the Dubs. In fact, head coach Steve Kerr and superstar Stephen Curry couldn't help but give praise to the 29-year-old guard.
In an interview with Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, Kerr and Curry opened up about how unique Payton is. He is not only an athletic player who can jump and win aerial battles despite his size, but he is also a ball of energy who has shown that he can score and deliver buckets, as well as make stops when it matters most.
Kerr called the Young Glove a “power forward in a point guard's body” with his ability to dominate, an ability rarely seen on guys his size.
“He’s very unique. He’s tough for guys to guard because if you’re used to guarding someone that size, you’re on the perimeter. You’re guarding pick-and-roll. That kind of stuff. With Gary, you’re having to block him out. You’re having to treat him like a big guy. And guards just aren’t doing that,” the Warriors coach explained.
“He just finds gaps and seams and makes plays at both ends that are unique. He does it with anticipation and tremendous athleticism. And length, too. He has really long arms.”
Stephen Curry, meanwhile, echoed the same praise Steve Kerr has for Gary Payton II. He kept it simple though, dropping a description that couldn't be any more perfect.
“He’s the tallest 6-3 guy in the world,” Curry added.
GP2 has certainly proven himself as a key cog for the Warriors, and he has made his case for a long-term contract with the team.
In the absence of Jordan Poole, Payton filled in as the starting point guard and has impressed so far. Against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday, he dropped 22 points on 9-of-16 shooting. In their latest Christmas Day game against the Phoenix Suns, he finished with 14 points on top of eight rebounds and one steal.
With the way he is playing, the work ethic his has shown, and the impact he has on the team, Payton is undoubtedly here to stay with the Warriors.
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