The NBA is known for its talented players, fierce competition, and passionate fans. But behind the glitz and glamour of the league, there are also stories of sacrifice, hard work, and determination. One such story is that of Gary Payton, a former NBA player and father of current NBA player, Gary Payton II.
If you think that all NBA fathers are as easygoing and supportive as LeBron James, then you haven’t met Gary Payton yet. Payton’s journey as a father in the NBA has been anything but easy. He had to use strict tactics to get his son, Gary Payton II, into the league, which ultimately caused a rift in their relationship for decades.
Gary Payton II, also known as “The Mitten,” followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in basketball. Growing up, he had the privilege of being coached by his father, who was a legendary point guard for the Seattle SuperSonics. Payton II had all the necessary skills and talent to make it to the NBA, but his father knew that it would take more than just talent to succeed in the league.
Gary Payton was known for his tough and aggressive style of play, earning him the nickname “The Glove.” He was a fierce competitor and a leader on the court, and he wanted his son to have the same mentality. Payton believed that his son needed to be mentally and physically tough to make it in the NBA, and he was determined to instill these qualities in him.
Payton’s strict tactics involved pushing his son to the limit during training and games. He would often criticize and yell at him, expecting nothing but perfection. This approach may have worked for Payton during his playing days, but it didn’t sit well with his son. Payton II felt that his father’s expectations were too high, and he couldn’t live up to them. This caused a strain in their relationship, and they grew distant over the years.
Despite their strained relationship, Payton II continued to work hard and pursue his dream of playing in the NBA. He played college basketball at Oregon State University and went undrafted in the 2016 NBA draft. However, he didn’t let this setback stop him from achieving his goal. He joined the Houston Rockets’ G League team, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, and proved his worth on the court.
In 2017, Payton II finally got his chance in the NBA when he signed a 10-day contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. He impressed the team with his hustle and defensive skills, and they signed him for the rest of the season. Payton II’s hard work and determination paid off, and he became a regular rotation player for the Bucks.
While Payton II was making a name for himself in the NBA, his relationship with his father remained strained. They rarely spoke, and when they did, it was often tense and distant. Payton II resented his father for his strict tactics and felt that he didn’t support him enough.
It wasn’t until 2020 that the father and son finally reconciled. Payton II was playing for the Washington Wizards, and his father was working as an assistant coach for the team. Being on the same team gave them the opportunity to reconnect and mend their relationship. Payton II realized that his father’s tough love was what motivated him to work harder and become the player he is today.
Today, Payton II is a solid rotation player for the Golden State Warriors, and his father couldn’t be prouder. They have put their differences aside and have a stronger relationship than ever before. Payton II has even adopted his father’s tough and aggressive style of play, and it has helped him succeed in the NBA.
In conclusion, Gary Payton’s strict tactics may have caused a rift in his relationship with his son, but it was also what pushed him to become a successful NBA player. Payton’s tough love may not have been easy for his son to handle, but it ultimately helped him reach his full potential. Their story is a reminder that sometimes, tough love is necessary for success, and it’s never too late to mend a broken relationship.
