Dub Nation affirmed its love for Gary Payton II in Wednesday night’s win over the Hornets, as Chase Center showered GP2 with a rousing ovation once he went to the bench in the fourth quarter. Payton helped close out the game with his second-half defense and high-flying, 14-point performance in 17 minutes.
If you think about it, Payton has some of the same characteristics of a young Andre Iguodala, so far as their ability to defend and dunk.
Nowadays, Iguodala might not have the outrageous athleticism he had earlier in his career, but he’s sharper up top. Payton said Iguodala has been a great mentor as he has carved out a bigger role with the Warriors.
“It’s educational,” Payton said after Wednesday’s game. “He’s filled with so much knowledge of the game, just being here his 18th season. He’s been through it all. World champion. Defensively he makes plays, he sacrifices what he does for the team. He helps tremendously.”
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Payton had an absolutely explosive evening, highlighted by his relentless defense. The 2021-22 Warriors are forging a defensive identity and much of that has to do with players like Payton and Iguodala, who is still a solid defender in the twilight of his career.
The 28-year-old Payton has been patiently awaiting his opportunity to get an NBA rotation role since joining the league as an undrafted player in 2016. With teachers like Iguodala and Green, Payton could take his game to new heights this season.
Steve Kerr conceded that Payton will be a regular rotation player going forward, which could eat into the minutes of players like Juan Toscano-Anderson off the bench.
