SAN FRANCISCO — First thing’s first: the dunk contest is probably not in Gary Payton II’s future.
“I’m an in-game dunker,” said Payton, who at 6-2 is shorter than all but one player on the Warriors’ roster yet has emerged as the team’s preeminent threat above the rim. “I don’t have too many tricks like the young guys have these days.”
The Warriors, it turns out, do have some tricks with Payton in mind. He’s listed as a guard but plays like a power forward, which has set him up to slam home lobs on set plays in Golden State’s offense. He’s already rattled the rim nine times this season, tied with Andrew Wiggins for the team lead but in one-third of the minutes. More than a quarter of the time Payton has attempted a shot this season, it’s been a dunk.
In the words of Otto Porter Jr., “Gary plays like he’s 6-8. His game is molded around the rim — lob threats, offensive rebounds.”
Payton clawed his way on to the roster on the strength of his defensive reputation, but the springs in his sneakers shouldn’t come as a surprise to devout observers of the G League.
So, in other words, let us introduce you.
The son of an NBA Hall of Famer, Payton recognized early on that he didn’t share the same natural offensive abilities as his father. So he focused on his defense, which eventually materialized into the athleticism that carved out a unique niche on the offensive side of the ball.
“It’s hard to stand out on an NBA floor athletically,” coach Steve Kerr said. “But he jumps off the page when you see him out there.”
Still, Payton toiled from one 10-day contract to the next for his first five professional seasons. Even while earning back-to-back deals with Golden State at the end of last season, the Warriors didn’t have enough shooters to allow Payton’s less conventional skill set to flourish.
Payton endeared himself to teammates and fans with his dogged defense and relentless energy.
The supposed 15th man on the roster after he was initially waived at the end of the preseason, Payton has quickly played his way into a critical bench role. He’s played at least 17 minutes the past three games and scored in double figures each time.
As Kerr said recently, “He needs to play more, for sure.”
Because of Payton’s backstory and attitude, teammates say his success is contagious.
“He didn’t give up, he stayed with it, and it’s rewarding for him. Everybody on the team is happy to see him succeed and be put in positions where he can succeed,” Porter said. “He just plays hard every time he steps on the court, whether it’s 30 seconds or 19 minutes.”
As for his dunking abilities, Payton declined to claim the crown of the team’s best. That belongs to Wiggins, he said, “whenever Wiggs decides he wants to get over the rim.”
Payton displayed his better-known qualities while setting up Wiggins for a second-quarter slam Sunday, trapping Rockets rookie Jalen Green in a corner, forcing a turnover and running back in transition. He got the ball back and lobbed it toward the rim, where Wiggins grabbed it with two hands and slammed it home.
Even when talking about dunk contests, Payton finds a way to bring it back to defense.
“Worst comes to worst,” he said. “I’m just gonna put it on somebody’s head, so I think I’m just gonna stick with putting on heads, get two points, get back and play defense.”
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