Gary Payton
Gary Payton played the majority of his career with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he established himself as one of the premier point guards in the league. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, he earned the nickname "The Glove" for his ability to defend opponents tightly, like a glove.
Payton had a well-rounded game, excelling both offensively and defensively. He was a nine-time NBA All-Star and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1996. Payton was also selected to the All-NBA First Team nine times and the NBA All-Defensive First Team nine times.
Throughout his career, Payton had stints with several NBA teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat. He won his only NBA championship with the Miami Heat in 2006.
In addition to his NBA success, Gary Payton represented the United States in international competitions, winning gold medals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
After retiring from playing, Gary Payton has been involved in various basketball-related activities, including coaching and television commentary. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the sport.
