Gary Payton II recently spoke about the state of physicality in the NBA, emphasizing that the league has softened compared to the 1980s and 1990s. On the Jaxxon Podcast, Payton II highlighted how the NBA’s style of play has shifted away from the intense, physical defense that characterized past eras, calling for a return to a more robust and competitive approach. He stressed the difference in how players are protected now versus the “Bad Boys” era of the Detroit Pistons and the early ’90s Shaquille O’Neal era.
Payton II explained that today’s game prioritizes a cleaner style aimed at increasing fan appeal by focusing on offense and skillful play rather than physical confrontations. He pointed out that the NBA’s efforts to keep the game entertaining often result in more fouls being called and games slowing down.
The Shift Toward Offense and Entertainment in Modern NBA
According to Gary Payton II, the league’s current trend favors offensive creativity and flashy skills over gritty defense. He mentioned that fans are drawn to the ball-handling talents of players like Kyrie Irving and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who represent a style of play that generates excitement and ultimately more revenue for the league. This trend aligns with the NBA’s desire to protect players while simultaneously appealing to a broader audience.
Payton II urged the league to allow players to “just go” and compete freely, suggesting that a balance between physicality and entertainment is necessary for genuine competition. He believes restricting physical play has taken away from the intensity that defines professional basketball.
Legacy of Physical Play and Gary Payton Sr.’s Perspective
Gary Payton II’s views echo those of his father, Gary Payton, a former Defensive Player of the Year in 1996 and one of the NBA’s top point guards during the ’90s and early 2000s. The elder Payton has openly criticized the modern NBA’s rules and style, which he feels have abandoned the physical, inside-out play of his era in favor of outside shooting and reduced contact.
Gary Payton Sr. described how in his playing days, opponents trying to score would be met with tough, even punishing defense, including strong physical barriers to protect the rim. He observed that today’s game often involves players exaggerating contact injuries, leading to video reviews and frequent stoppages, which contrast sharply with the nonstop physicality of his generation.
Soft. These kids are in a different generation. When we played, it was inside outside. You give it to the big man, you get it out there, and then if you had a great player, he could create whatever he wants to.
—Gary Payton, former NBA star
Nowadays, their weapon is the three-pointer. They’re running to the basketball, and then this crazy mess where you gotta go to a monitor and see if you got hit in the head or nothing.
—Gary Payton, former NBA star
In our era, if you went to the basket, we wouldn’t let nobody dunk, and we gonna put you in the third row. And then you just come on back. Nowadays, you get hit and you do this. They be like, hold on, hold on, hold on. Let’s check it. Let’s see what happens.
—Gary Payton, former NBA star
And then you put an ice pack on your head and all that stuff and you’re looking crazy like you done got shot or something. Then they get the ball back, and then they laughing at you because they fooled you, you know what I’m saying? So it’s crazy. You won’t see physical basketball again.
—Gary Payton, former NBA star
Gary Payton II’s Role and Future Prospects
While Gary Payton II has not reached the star status of his father, he remains a respected defensive player in the league. The 32-year-old guard, currently a free agent, is reportedly close to re-signing with the Golden State Warriors. During the 2024-25 season, Payton II averaged 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game, contributing to the Warriors’ defensive efforts and overall depth.
Broader Views on NBA Ratings and Physicality
The conversation about physicality in the NBA has broader implications, including the league’s television ratings and fan engagement. Caitlin Clark, a prominent figure in basketball discussions, has voiced concerns similar to those of the Paytons. She noted that many viewers believe the NBA has “gone soft,” which could be a factor in declining ratings as fans miss the harder, more aggressive style of play.
These opinions underline a growing tension in professional basketball between maintaining player safety and providing the intense action some fans expect. Discussions continue about how to strike that balance without sacrificing the excitement and skill that make the NBA unique.