After being an NBA journeyman for a few years, Gary Payton II has not only caught on with the Golden State Warriors, but has just started his sixth season with the team. Payton has been a rotation player and an NBA Champion in Golden State, and their goals are every bit the same as they were when he first joined the team.
There’s been some topsy-turvy-ness along the way, but Payton is still ready to go to war for the Warriors.
What Does Gary Payton II Have To Say About Year Six in Golden State?
Even though he hasn’t played six full seasons with the Warriors, this is his sixth consecutive year with some affiliation to the team. In an exclusive interview with PFSN, Payton delved into what this season has been like for him.
“This is my 10th year,” Payton said. “It’s just crazy. You know, every season is different, different personnel, whatnot. We have a really good group, a mix of young guys and vets. So I think this group can come up and turn out to be really good.
“We still got a lot of work to do. Trying to find our identity as a team. But I feel like this, this could be a great year. We turned around and get on the same page and find our identity and continue to have that same consistency.”
The Warriors have started the season 13-12, with many of their struggles stemming from injuries. Payton revealed how he thinks the Warriors can get themselves back on track.
“Once we get healthy, we can go from there. Get (De’Anthony Melton) back and Seth (Curry) back. So you need to incorporate those guys and get our main guys back full healthy. It’s still early in the season, so no worries now, no panic. Just continue to grow as a unit in the team.”
Melton and Curry have only most recently made their debuts for the Warriors, playing their last two games, in which Golden State split. Because the Warriors are among the older NBA teams, they have been under the radar compared to the other contenders who are younger. Payton revealed that the Warriors feel right at home in this spot.
“That’s alright, we were underrated in (2022) and that… turned out the way it did,” Payton said.
“So, we’ve continued to work on ourselves and do the right things. We know we have enough to compete with the best when it gets down to it in the late season. So we really don’t try to think ahead, you know. Just try to focus on what we can learn and get better right now, and continue to do that each day, take it day by day. You know, about time we get to that point, we’ll be in a good spot team-wise.”
MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Gary Payton II Talks NBA Journey, Warriors, & New Partnership
To try to capitalize on the time they have left as contenders, the Warriors have added Jimmy Butler and Al Horford to the mix. Payton praised the two Golden State veterans since both were added to the team.
“It’s amazing. Good vets, have been through almost every scenario that you can be. It’s just good wisdom for the young guys to give knowledge out and poise within games and practice and whatnot, just to help out around, have that voice in there. It’s very helpful and useful. So continue to lean on those guys, the team to grow and learn from them. Guys is going to help out our young core for sure,” Payton said.
Payton and Horford once competed against one another when the Warriors’ rivalry with the Boston Celtics was at its peak. Though they were once opponents, Payton made it clear how much he values having Horford around.
“Al’s a great guy. Al has been a great guy. Great player, (I’m) happy that he got one in the next couple of years… Love Al.”
The Warriors might not have started the season as well as they would have liked, but they shouldn’t be underestimated, as Payton said, because the NBA paid dearly previously when they were.
Payton II’s New Partnership Has a New Announcement
Payton has recently founded the Skateboard Association. To learn more about their vision and Payton’s role, click here.
The SBA revealed in a press release that it has launched its inaugural teams and mascots. The following are the six teams and their mascots.
- Boltz
- Dark Rush
- Dragonfly
- Heelers
- Hustle
- Phantom
Per the SBA’s press release, “Each team identity reflects the league’s core pillars: creativity, individuality, movement, and the cultural spirit of skateboarding. With mascots rooted in themes of speed, resilience, flight, grit, rhythm, and mystique, the SBA is crafting an entirely new visual and emotional language for professional skate culture.”
Payton himself explained the importance of these teams.
“This moment brings the SBA vision one step closer to becoming a reality,” Payton said in the press release. “Our teams and mascots represent more than branding, they represent movement, storytelling, and the future of a sport that has shaped generations. We’re building a league that gives athletes a platform worthy of their talent and culture.”
