Introduction
Gary Payton II is a professional American basketball player who plays for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is the son of NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, widely regarded as one of the best point guards and defenders. Payton II has followed his father’s footsteps and has established himself as a versatile and tenacious player who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
Early Life and College Career
Payton II was born in Seattle, Washington, on December 1, 1992. He attended Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he averaged 13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game as a senior. Payton then enrolled at Salt Lake Community College, playing for two seasons and earning NJCAA All-American honors. He transferred to Oregon State University in 2014 and joined the Beavers men’s basketball team.
At Oregon State, Payton II made an immediate impact and helped the team improve from a 16-16 record in his junior year to a 19-13 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance in his senior year. He averaged 15.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.5 steals per game in his two seasons with the Beavers. Payton was named first-team All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in both years. He also became the first player in Pac-12 history to record at least 200 points, 200 rebounds, 100 assists, 50 steals, and 25 blocks in a single season.
Professional Career
Payton II went undrafted in the 2016 NBA draft and joined the Houston Rockets for the NBA Summer League. He signed with the Rockets on September 23, 2016, but was waived on October 24, 2016. He then joined the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League (now known as the NBA G League) as an affiliate Rockets player.
Payton II had several stints with different NBA teams over the next few years, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Washington Wizards. He also played for various G League teams, including the South Bay Lakers, Wisconsin Herd, and Capital City Go-Go. He won the G League Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019.
On April 8, 2021, Payton II signed a 10-day contract with the Golden State Warriors. He impressed the team with his defense, energy, and athleticism and earned a second 10-day contract on April 19, 2021. On May 13, 2021, he signed a multi-year contract with the Warriors.
Payton II was a crucial part of the Warriors’ championship team in 2022, contributing defense and other aspects. He averaged 4.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game in 63 regular season games and 5.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game in 21 playoff games. He also set career-highs in points (15), rebounds (9), assists (6) and steals (6) during the season.
In February 2023, Payton II was traded back to the Warriors from Portland in a four-team trade involving Denver and Minnesota. He suffered a fractured left elbow in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against Phoenix.
Personal Life
Payton II is married to Ashley Payton, whom he met at Oregon State. They have two children together: Gary Payton III and Gianna Payton. Payton II is very close to his father, Gary Payton, who often attends his games and gives him advice.
Payton II is also involved in charitable causes and supports organizations such as UNICEF, Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Gary Payton II Net worth 2023 and Income
Gary Payton II Net worth 2023 is estimated at around $5 million as of 2023. His primary source of income is his salary as an NBA player. According to Basketball-Reference.com, he earned $1.7 million in the 2022-23 season as part of his multi-year contract with the Warriors.
Payton II earns money from endorsements and sponsorships with brands such as Nike, Gatorade, and Beats by Dre.
Conclusion
Gary Payton II is a talented and hardworking basketball player who has carved his niche in the NBA. He is known for his defensive prowess, hustle, and leadership skills. Payton has won an NBA championship with the Warriors and received individual accolades such as G League Defensive Player of the Year and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. He is the son of a legendary NBA player. But he has also made his name and legacy in the league. He is a devoted family man and a generous philanthropist who gives back to the community. He is among the most respected and admired players in the NBA today.
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