NBA's Greatest Players in History: Gary Payton

• Only point guard to win NBA Defensive Player of the Year award
• Nine consecutive All-Defensive First Team selections
• One of five players in NBA history with 20,000+ points, 5,000+ rebounds, and 7,500+ assists
• Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team

Gary Payton, nicknamed "The Glove" for his suffocating defence, was a complete player who revolutionised the point guard position with his tenacious style and sharp wit.

Overview

Gary Payton's impact on the NBA cannot be overstated. His relentless defensive prowess, combined with his offensive skills and legendary trash-talking, made him one of the most formidable and memorable players of his era. Throughout his 17-year career, Payton established himself as a dominant force on both ends of the court, earning the respect and fear of opponents across the league.

Career snapshot

Payton's journey to NBA stardom began when the Seattle SuperSonics selected him with the second overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft. While he showed flashes of brilliance early on, it wasn't until George Karl took over as head coach in 1992 that Payton truly began to flourish. Under Karl's guidance, Payton's aggressive style of play found its perfect home in the Sonics' system.

Over the next decade, Payton would become the face of the franchise, leading the team to consistent playoff appearances and a trip to the NBA Finals in 1996. His partnership with Shawn Kemp formed one of the most exciting duos in NBA history, electrifying crowds with their fast-paced play and spectacular alley-oops.

Playing style

Payton's playing style was characterised by his tenacious defence, court vision, and ability to score when needed. On the defensive end, he was a nightmare for opposing guards, using his quick hands and feet to disrupt offences and create turnovers. His ability to lock down even the most prolific scorers earned him the nickname "The Glove" and made him a perennial All-Defensive Team selection.

Offensively, Payton was a crafty player who could score in multiple ways. While not known as a great outside shooter, he developed a reliable mid-range game and was excellent at using his strength to post up smaller guards. His court vision and passing ability were also elite, allowing him to create opportunities for teammates and run the offence efficiently.

Why Gary Payton is on our list

Gary Payton's inclusion on the list of most dominant NBA players is justified by his unique combination of defensive excellence and offensive versatility. He redefined the point guard position, proving that a guard could dominate a game without necessarily being a prolific scorer.

Payton's nine consecutive All-Defensive First Team selections demonstrate his sustained excellence on that end of the court. Moreover, he remains the only point guard in NBA history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award, a testament to his exceptional skill and impact.

His offensive numbers are equally impressive. Payton is one of only five players in NBA history to amass over 20,000 points, 5,000 rebounds, and 7,500 assists. This statistic places him in the company of all-time greats like Oscar Robertson, John Havlicek, and LeBron James, highlighting his well-rounded game and longevity.

Five Fast Facts

1. Payton played in 1,489 out of a possible 1,519 games (including playoffs) over his 17-year career, showcasing remarkable durability
2. He won two Olympic gold medals with USA Basketball in 1996 and 2000.
3. Payton was known as one of the best trash-talkers in NBA history, using his wit to get under opponents' skin.
4. He finally won an NBA championship in 2006 with the Miami Heat, making crucial plays in the Finals series.
5. Payton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

Career Highlights Timeline

1990: Drafted 2nd overall by the Seattle SuperSonics
‍1994: First All-Star selection and All-NBA Team appearance
‍1996: Named NBA Defensive Player of the Year; leads Sonics to NBA Finals
‍1996-2000: Selected to All-Star team for five consecutive seasons
‍2000: Wins Olympic gold medal with USA Basketball for the second time
‍2003: Traded to Milwaukee Bucks after 12+ seasons with Seattle
‍2006: Wins NBA championship with Miami Heat
‍2013: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Gary Payton's career was defined by his defensive intensity, versatile offensive game, and unmatched competitiveness. His impact on the game went beyond statistics, as he changed the way point guards were viewed and utilised in the NBA. Payton's ability to dominate games on both ends of the court, combined with his durability and longevity, solidifies his place among the most dominant players in NBA history.

His legacy as "The Glove" continues to inspire defenders and point guards alike, serving as a reminder that true greatness in basketball requires excellence in all aspects of the game.

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