Gary Payton II’s NBA career stats and legacy are often measured against those of his father, NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton. While the younger Payton has forged his own path, the comparison remains inevitable given their shared family name and NBA experience. As of 2025, Gary Payton II plays for the Golden State Warriors and, like his father, has already won an NBA championship, joining them as one of the rare father-son duos to achieve this feat.
The elder Gary Payton, nicknamed “The Glove,” was a defensive powerhouse and a cornerstone of the Seattle SuperSonics through the 1990s. His son started much differently, undrafted and working through the NBA G League to earn his spot. Despite different trajectories, their careers intersect through championship victories and shared contributions to multiple NBA teams.
Examining “The Glove’s” Hall of Fame NBA Career
Gary Payton Sr. was the second overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft and spent the bulk of his career with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he became an iconic point guard. Early seasons showed average stats with 8.2 points per game, but he quickly rose to prominence as a defensive specialist alongside Shawn Kemp in the “Sonic Boom” era. Payton made nine consecutive All-NBA team appearances and was the first point guard to earn the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1996.
The 1996 season also saw the SuperSonics reach the NBA Finals, falling to Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. However, Payton claimed his lone championship a decade later with the Miami Heat in 2006. Over 17 seasons, he averaged 16.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game and was known for his durability, missing only 25 games in his career and maintaining a 356-game consecutive appearance streak until 2001.
His reputation was built on strong defense, consistent scoring, and being a mainstay starter, qualities that made him a standout and earned his place among the NBA’s all-time greats.
Gary Payton II’s Journey from Undrafted Player to NBA Champion
In contrast, Gary Payton II was not selected in the NBA draft and had to prove himself through the NBA G League over several years between 2016 and 2021. His persistence paid off when he won the 2021 NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year Award, a breakthrough that led to a contract with the Golden State Warriors. In the 2021-22 season, he played 71 regular-season games, the most in his career to date.
During the 2022 NBA Finals, Payton II emerged as a crucial defensive player for the Warriors, delivering 15 points, five rebounds, and three steals in Game 5, and making significant defensive contributions in Game 6, which clinched his first NBA championship. Throughout his NBA career so far, he has mostly been a role player, never averaging more than eight points per game, but his defensive abilities and energy have made him valuable for his team.
Following in His Father’s Footsteps: Collegiate Success and Personal Drive
Gary Payton II chose to follow his father’s legacy by attending Oregon State University, his father’s alma mater, motivated by a love for the town of Corvallis and a desire to elevate the basketball program. His decision was bold, considering his father’s legendary collegiate career which included leading the Beavers to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and holding several school records before his jersey number 20 was retired in 1996.
The younger Payton carved out his own legacy at Oregon State, breaking his father’s record for consecutive games with a steal, accumulating 38 games compared to his father’s 37. He also became a two-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, joining his father and Seth Tarver as the only Beavers to receive this honor. These accomplishments underscored his defensive prowess and commitment to the game, reflecting determination distinct from, yet inspired by, his father’s achievements.
Mending Family Bonds Amidst NBA Pressure
Despite their shared success on the court, Gary Payton and his son had a strained relationship for many years. The elder Payton openly admitted to having criticized his son harshly, doubting his potential early on.
“I criticized my son so much, man. I just told him it wasn’t gonna be nothing. And he proved me wrong.” —Gary Payton, NBA Legend
This pressure weighed on Gary Payton II, who long sought his father’s approval. However, this dynamic changed notably during the 2023 playoffs. In a first-round series against the Houston Rockets, Payton II delivered a career-best 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including two clutch three-pointers and three steals. His strong performance gave him a sense of peace and helped improve their relationship, especially with his father watching from the stands.
“When I was growing up, he always used to talk and say something during the game,”
Payton II said in an interview.
“Now, he don’t. He just enjoys the game. So, what happened a while ago is now peace of mind for me. I don’t have to worry about him no more yelling and barking. I know I’m doing something right.” —Gary Payton II, Golden State Warriors Guard
These words reveal a newfound mutual respect and the easing of earlier tensions, highlighting how their personal relationship has grown alongside Gary Payton II’s professional progress.
Can Gary Payton II Build a Legacy of His Own?
The question persists whether Gary Payton II can escape the shadow of his father’s immense legacy or if the bar is too high to surpass. While his father’s NBA career was marked by individual accolades and enduring star power, Payton II’s path is characterized by resilience, defensive skill, and proving his value as a reliable role player on championship-caliber teams.
Being part of a rare father–son pair to win NBA titles places Payton II in historic company and signals his own significance in the league. Yet, unlike his father’s larger-than-life individual legacy, Payton II’s story is still unfolding and reflects an intense commitment to persistence and improvement.
His achievements at Oregon State, rise through the G League, and key contributions to the Warriors’ success illustrate a player determined to carve out his own identity in the sport, one defined by hard work and dedication rather than draft status or early hype.