A very valuable role player during the Warriors’ victorious run in the Playoffs a few months ago, Gary Payton II was back in Golden State tonight as a member of the Blazers. The opportunity for him to finally receive his champion ring, to the ovation of the Chase Center.
“We wouldn’t have won the title without him.”
That’s how Warriors coach Steve Kerr summed up GPII’s impact in the Golden State jersey. And you only have to see the reaction of the public when Daddy’s boy got his ring to understand how much he is appreciated in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Gary Payton II gets a tribute video and his championship ring from the Warriors, presented by Draymond Green pic.twitter.com/0yXRkGmb58
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 31, 2022
Standing ovation, tribute video, and above all great emotion for Gary Payton II, who received his bagouze in the middle of the field from Draymond Green himself.
Clearly, no one at the Warriors has forgotten his tenacity, his sense of sacrifice, his defensive qualities, and his overall contribution in the Golden State dynasty’s fourth title. Arrived on tiptoe in the Bay, via a ten-day contract, GPII has gradually established itself as a valuable role player (7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals last year, more than 61% shooting including 36% from 3-pointers), even essential at times like during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Boston where he helped turn the game – and therefore the series – upside down with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals in 26 minutes. All this after coming back from a broken elbow…
Operated on abdominals this summer, Gary Payton II has not yet worn his new colors from Portland, which he joined during the offseason for a nice contract of 28 million dollars over 3 years. On the other hand, his absence in Golden State is felt, he who would do a lot of good to these Warriors 2022-23 overall average despite the good current dynamics…
Some additional pictures
Gary Payton II loved the moment getting his sparkling ring, and even shook my hand with it, too. pic.twitter.com/AXjJTNhfx3
— Janie McCauley (@JanieMcCAP) December 31, 2022
” Young Glove ” got his ring. Former Warrior (now Portland Trailblazer) Gary Payton II had his moment in front of friends and family at Chase Center as he received his NBA Championship Ring @warriors @KPIXtv @Garydwayne pic.twitter.com/TvmrUe7BNS
— vernkpix (@vernKPIX) December 31, 2022
Draymond presents Gary Payton II with his Ring pic.twitter.com/qAkfMrIsp8
— Alex ???? (@Dubs408) December 31, 2022