Gary Payton, known as “The Glove,” is an NBA legend remembered for his relentless defense and leadership with the Seattle SuperSonics. The only point guard to ever win Defensive Player of the Year, he left an indelible mark on the league. Recently, he surprised fans by naming his all-time starting five, leaving <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> off the list.



The Hall of Fame point guard revealed his dream lineup, slotting himself alongside some of the game’s greatest legends. “If you want me to put myself in there, and I really don’t put myself in there, I’ll be at the point. The two, I’d probably put Michael Jordan. The three, I’d put Kobe. The four, I’d put Shawn Kemp, and I would always do this for center, I’d put Wilt Chamberlain,” Payton said during a recent visit to the Philippines.



Even more surprisingly, Payton named Chamberlain as his GOAT, even over Michael and Kobe. He dismissed the notion that the 1960s era was watered down. And, leaved LeBron James out of the starting five, appreciating her teammates and old legends.



“I think Wilt Chamberlain was the greatest center to ever play,” Payton added. “Everybody praises his records, you see how everybody tries to break his records, but they don’t give it to him because they say he played in the 60s, but that doesn’t matter. He was 17 to 18 years old sometime in his life and he could play, so that would be my five.”



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Gary Payton reveals his all-time starting 5: Gary Payton Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Shawn Kemp Wilt Chamberlain (via <a href="https://twitter.com/nicoleganglani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nicoleganglani</a>) <a href="https://t.co/9TKcQrwMS9">pic.twitter.com/9TKcQrwMS9</a>— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/LegionHoops/status/1969508282470711672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Payton’s journey to being one of the best</h2>



“The Glove,” known for his unique ability to shut down opponents on defense, built one of the most complete careers for a point guard in NBA history. From his early years with the Seattle SuperSonics, he showed a combination of intensity, physical strength, and competitive character that made him the soul of the team. He wasn’t just a key offensive piece—he set the defensive standard for guards and became a nightmare in one-on-one matchups.


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Over his career, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/gary-payton">Payton</a> was a nine-time All-Star and nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection, accomplishments that cemented his place among the most consistent players of his generation. In 1996, he led the SuperSonics to the NBA Finals against Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, one of the few players to truly challenge the legendary No. 23 in a decisive series. That same year, he became the only point guard in history to win Defensive Player of the Year.



Beyond individual accolades, Payton made an impact collectively. After his time in Seattle, he played for Milwaukee, the Los Angeles Lakers, and Boston before winning a championship with the Miami Heat in 2006. That title crowned a career defined by perseverance and the relentless pursuit of success, solidifying his legacy in the league.



Analyzing his impact, Payton stands out as one of the greatest point guards ever for his two-way game. His scoring, playmaking, and, most importantly, his ability to shut down top opponents made him a singular talent. In an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> often dominated by offensive highlights, “The Glove” remains a reminder of what true greatness looks like.

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Gary Payton picks his all-time greatest starting five, leaving LeBron James out - Bolavip US

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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors">Golden State Warriors</a> are arguably the most enigmatic team of this NBA offseason, largely due to their lack of roster activity. One of the most talked-about potential additions in the Bay Area has been veteran big man Al Horford, but one unresolved situation appears to be holding things up.



According to NBA insider Jake Weinbach, the Warriors reportedly have verbal agreements in place with free agents <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-horford">Al Horford</a>, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II. These additions would help stabilize the roster and provide much-needed depth heading into the new season.



However, none of these deals can become official until the situation surrounding Jonathan Kuminga is resolved. Golden State’s spending flexibility remains restricted by the NBA’s hard cap rules, particularly the first and second apron triggers, which limit movement unless cap space is cleared.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/gary-payton-ii">Gary Payton II</a> recently offered insight into why neither he nor Horford have officially joined the Warriors during the preseason. According to the guard, everything is on hold due to Kuminga’s status, which continues to affect the team’s decision-making process.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Warriors most likely have verbal agreements in place with free agents Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II. However, these potential signings wouldn’t become official until the Jonathan Kuminga situation is resolved since Golden State’s spending flexibility…— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/JWeinbachNBA/status/1951387460589552061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



In a conversation with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> insider Marc J. Spears noted that the Warriors currently have only nine players under contract. Spears recalled a recent exchange with Payton, saying, “I ran into Gary Payton II two days ago and asked, ‘What’s going on?’ He said, ‘Waiting on JK (Jonathan Kuminga). Horford is. Everybody is.’”


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The topic came up on Thursday’s edition of NBA Today on ESPN, where Andrews was joined by Kendrick Perkins, Marc J. Spears, Shams Charania, and Anthony Slater. The panel discussed the contract complications involving Kuminga and how they’re impacting Golden State’s offseason strategy.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jonathan-kuminga">Kuminga</a> is a restricted free agent and remains at the center of multiple trade talks. Several teams, including the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns, have shown interest in acquiring him. However, the Warriors have yet to receive an offer they find acceptable.

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NBA rumors: Warriors reportedly have verbal agreement with Al Horford and two other stars, but something is holding it up - Bolavip US

During the 1990s and early 2000s, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/gary-payton">Gary Payton</a> was among the league’s top point guards. He spent years making his mark in the NBA, becoming a fan favorite before retiring in 2007. But when the idea of the Oklahoma City Thunder retiring his jersey came up, Payton was quick — and emphatic — in his opposition.



“Them (expletive) be talking about retired jersey in Oklahoma City,” Payton said in an appearance on Adam Ray’s 420 Show. “(Expletive) Oklahoma City because I ain’t never been there.”



Indeed, GP spent the prime of his career with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/seattle-supersonics">Seattle SuperSonics</a>. Selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft, he remained with the franchise until 2003. Over those years, the guard dazzled fans, earning 9 All-Star selections, 2 All-NBA First Team honors, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and leading the league in steals in 1996.



However, the SuperSonics no longer exist, after the franchise relocated in 2008 due to disputes with the city of Seattle over a new arena. The team has since become the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/oklahoma-city-thunder">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250716_BUS_441854_GettyImages-244116-1-1024x576_0adac36a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Guard Gary Payton of the Seattle Supersonics stands on the court during a game against the Seattle Supersonics" class="wp-image-350080" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174231/GettyImages-244116-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174231/GettyImages-244116-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174231/GettyImages-244116-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174231/GettyImages-244116-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174231/GettyImages-244116-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174231/GettyImages-244116-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174231/GettyImages-244116-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174231/GettyImages-244116-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Guard Gary Payton playing for the Seattle Supersonics </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Why does Payton reject honors from the Thunder?</h2>



While the Thunder are technically the SuperSonics’ successor, Payton doesn’t see any connection between his time in Seattle and the franchise currently based in Oklahoma City. “It ain’t no better than the Seattle fans. I don’t give a (expletive) about what nobody say,” he said.


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Payton went on to explain why he has no interest in having his jersey retired by the Thunder — and why the same would likely apply to another Seattle icon, Shawn Kemp. “Let’s make it real. Me and Shawn never played in front of Oklahoma City. We didn’t never play in front of their fans. So why should we give them the pleasure of what we started in Seattle to retire our jersey? Our fans should be having that pleasure,” said the 2006 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> champion with the Miami Heat.



<h2>Payton has plans for the SuperSonics’ return</h2>



Since the SuperSonics left the league, Seattle fans have long awaited the return of an NBA team. Payton, whose identity is deeply tied to the city’s basketball legacy, is just as eager for that day to come.



“When the Sonics come back, and mostly we gonna be a part of that, we’re gonna retire Shawn and Detlef’s (Schrempf) jerseys first,” Payton said. “That’s what we want to do, so everybody will get a feel of what’s happening. We’re the three that did that ’90s stuff.”



<h2>Which jerseys have been retired by the SuperSonics and the Thunder?</h2>



While still active in the NBA, the Seattle SuperSonics retired six jerseys: Gus Williams (No. 1), Nathaniel McMillan (No. 10), Lenny Wilkens (No. 19), Spencer Haywood (No. 24), Fred Brown (No. 32), and Jack Sikma (No. 43).



The Oklahoma City Thunder did not continue that tradition and, notably, none of those jerseys are displayed in Paycom Center. In their 17 seasons as a franchise, the only number the Thunder have retired is No. 4, in honor of Nick Collison.


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The first few months of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/luka-doncic">Luka Doncic</a> with the Los Angeles Lakers have been a rollercoaster—flashes of sheer brilliance followed by intense criticism, especially after the team’s early playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now, NBA icons Gary Payton and Robert Horry have both highlighted a glaring weakness in the Slovenian guard’s game.



“I don’t think Luka is a defensive player,” said <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/gary-payton">Payton</a> during a conversation at the BUDX NBA House recently. “I think he’s a scorer. He’s an athlete. He’s got great ability… Now, if he wants to go and change it and prove people wrong that he can’t play defense, if that was me, I would change it.”



Still, the 1996 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> Defensive Player of the Year emphasized that such a transformation isn’t simple. “You have to be dedicated to play defense. You have to be dedicated. Maybe that’s not for him,” Gary speculated. “There’s a mindset to play defense. Not just say you want to play defense. You can’t do that unless you have a mindset to do that.”



Later, the NBA champion with the Miami Heat in 2006 questioned whether Doncic is even willing to put in the effort to improve. “You have to be able to move. You have to be willing to take sacrifices to do things. And that’s just the way it goes,” explained Payton. “He’s not one of that. But now, if he wants to, yes, he can get his mind to it to do it. But does he want to do it? That’s left up to him. That’s not left up to us.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250607_BUS_413718_Gary-Payton-Hall-of-Famer-1-1024x576_64f35e59.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Gary Payton looks up" class="wp-image-311398" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/12114617/Gary-Payton-Hall-of-Famer-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/12114617/Gary-Payton-Hall-of-Famer-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/12114617/Gary-Payton-Hall-of-Famer-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/12114617/Gary-Payton-Hall-of-Famer-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/12114617/Gary-Payton-Hall-of-Famer-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/12114617/Gary-Payton-Hall-of-Famer-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/12114617/Gary-Payton-Hall-of-Famer-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/12114617/Gary-Payton-Hall-of-Famer-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Seattle SuperSonics legend Gary Payton</figcaption></figure>



Just hours later, during an interview on The Dan Patrick Show, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/robert-horry">Robert Horry</a> addressed the same topic. “I tell people all the time, if you can move your feet and get past and blow by people, that means you have some fast-twitch muscles. You can move pretty fast. So there’s no reason you cannot play better defense on the other. You just got to want to. And I think a lot of times he doesn’t want to. He’d rather just point,” said the former forward about Luka.


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“It’s so weird that people talk about his weight, but yet he’s still giving people 30 points. I tell people, I don’t care about his weight. You need to get him in a gym and teach him how to play defense,” Horry pointed out. “That’s the thing, because you can give someone 40 points, but if you’re giving up 35 on the other end, those 40 points don’t mean anything.”



The seven-time NBA champion with the Houston Rockets, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Lakers</a> and the San Antonio Spurs then echoed Gary Payton’s comments—not questioning Doncic’s abilities, but his willingness to improve. “I think that is the key. And I think also he needs to want to play defense, because so many times he saves his energy for the offensive end,” said Robert. “It’s about wanting to.”


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Few players in basketball history had the kind of impact <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/larry-bird">Larry Bird</a> made during the 1980s in the NBA. Analysts often remember the Boston Celtics legend as one of the driving forces behind the league’s evolution during that era, especially because of his rivalry with Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson. However, Gary Payton and Byron Scott pointed out a different trait of the former forward.



“He was just the biggest trash talker that I’ve ever seen,” said Scott in a January 2025 interview on All The Smoke. “Larry would talk (expletive) during the game. He tell you where he’s going, catch it, shot it. Jump, he tell you, ‘Man, your jump high, but you don’t jump that high.’”



But Scott emphasized that Bird didn’t just talk—he backed it up. “I guess it ain’t trash talking if you ain’t backing it up right. I’m saying he telling you what he going to do and he’s doing it. So, I guess it’s just him being a prophet and telling you exactly what he was going to do,” the former guard joked.



Byron also recalled some of the things the Boston legend used to say on the court to opponents: “’You better put a black guy on me,’ all that (expletive) is true, because he was like, ‘You disrespect me putting a white guy on me. Ain’t no white guy can guard me. You better put a brother on me.’ That’s how he was. And then they couldn’t do nothing with him.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250607_BUS_413182_Byron-Scott-1024x576_8585e29a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-85375" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/28090832/Byron-Scott-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/28090832/Byron-Scott-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/28090832/Byron-Scott-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/28090832/Byron-Scott-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/28090832/Byron-Scott.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Three-time NBA champion with the Lakers Byron Scott.</figcaption></figure>



Still, among Lakers players, there was one who found a way to make things tough for Bird: Michael Cooper. “He said the only one that could was Coop,” Scott revealed. “He said Coop was the only one that could really guard him. He called him the best defensive player he’s ever seen.”


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<h2>Byron Scott on Larry Bird’s talent</h2>



Scott had the chance to face Bird many times during those classic matchups between the Celtics and the Lakers. In fact, between entering the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> in 1983 and leaving Los Angeles in 1993, Byron played in three Finals against Boston, winning two and losing one. That gave him firsthand insight into Bird’s greatness.



“I don’t think we give him enough credit for how great he was. Larry Bird was the real (expletive),” Byron said. “Larry Bird was one of the greatest players I’ve ever seen. He gotta be a top 10. He’s overlooked, just like anything else. Time has a way to make people forget about the past.”



<h2>Gary Payton also praises Bird</h2>



Another NBA icon who faced Bird was <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/gary-payton">Gary Payton</a>, early in his career with the Seattle SuperSonics while Larry was nearing retirement. “He was the coldest dude I’ve ever seen,” Payton said during a 2022 appearance on Uninterrupted. “Everybody be talking about this great greats and we always mentioning him. He was the (expletive). He’ll give it to you any way he wanted to. Larry Bird was cold.”



Gary also shared specific examples of what the Celtics legend would say to opponents during games: “Bird used to tell me, ‘Look here man, I’m gonna shoot this (expletive) jumper in your face right there in that corner and it’s gonna be your Christmas present. I’m gonna wrap it and bust your head open.’ All that (expletive).”


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Throughout <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> history, only a select few have truly defined their eras. Yet ranking the greatest by position invites even deeper discussion. The point guard position, in particular, features legendary names such as Stephen Curry, Magic Johnson, and Oscar Robertson. Still, a former teammate of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe Bryant</a> recently offered an unexpected perspective on the debate.



During an episode of the Club 520 podcast, former Lakers guard <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/gary-payton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gary Payton</a> reflected on his NBA career and revealed his pick for the greatest point guard of all time: “John Stockton, by far. He was just a little more crafty; everybody thought he was dirty, but we were just s*****d. We didn’t know how to play. It took me six years to figure him out… I really love playing against players like that. Because it got me more of the IQ about the game.”



While <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/john-stockton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Stockton</a> remains a reference for many, he rarely comes up in debates about the greatest point guards ever. That is mostly because Magic Johnson dominated the court and transformed the position along his career. Because of that, most people expect a different name in that conversation. Still, Stockton left a lasting impact that many tend to overlook.



Throughout his career, the Utah Jazz legend played 1,504 games. He averaged 13.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 10.5 assists per game. He also holds the NBA records for most assists and steals. But his influence went far beyond the numbers. He controlled the pace and improved his team every night. Even so, Stockton never won an NBA championship. And that is why many do not include him among the top players at his position.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250523_BUS_403669_GettyImages-513342-1-1024x576_baa87f47.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="John Stockton #12 of the Utah Jazz dribbles the ball up the court during the game against the Phoenix Suns" class="wp-image-321405" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25204036/GettyImages-513342-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25204036/GettyImages-513342-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25204036/GettyImages-513342-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25204036/GettyImages-513342-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25204036/GettyImages-513342-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25204036/GettyImages-513342-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25204036/GettyImages-513342-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25204036/GettyImages-513342-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Utah Jazz legend John Stockton</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Ex-NBA player Steve Kerr breaks down John Stockton’s playstyle</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/steve-kerr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steve Kerr</a> appeared in 910 NBA games, with the bulk of his career unfolding during the 1990s. Throughout that time, he often went head-to-head with John Stockton. While some former players have labeled Stockton a dirty player, suggesting he had a knack for delivering elbows without drawing fouls, Kerr holds a different opinion.


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In a 1997 interview with the Chicago Tribune, he offered a thoughtful perspective. “I’ve never felt John was dirty. I’ve always felt he was extremely tricky and crafty…If you turn your head, he’s back-cutting for a layup, if you lose your balance a little, he’s going to push off you to get to the basket…He’s as smart a player as there is and awfully talented as well because he’s so good with the ball and is a great shooter.“

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After winning the bronze medal at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, the United States set out to reclaim its place at the top of the basketball world. This led to the formation of the iconic Dream Team, which was led by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> and dominated the 1992 Barcelona Olympics to claim the gold medal. Four years later, Team USA repeated the feat, and now, one of the standout players from that 1996 squad, NBA icon Gary Payton, is offering strong opinions about the comparison.



During a recent interview on the Knuckleheads Podcast, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/gary-payton">Payton</a> was asked: “What’s your take? Could Dream Team 2 have beaten Dream Team 1?” The former Seattle SuperSonics point guard responded confidently. “Absolutely,” he said. “They were older, come on, man! And then we took six of their Dream Team I guys and put them on our team.”



Gary then elaborated on the process of assembling the 1996 roster. “You all gotta understand. DC (Derrick Coleman) and them were the ones who went to the qualifying thing and didn’t get on the Dream Team 2. Him, Shawn Kemp, and all of them—they got taken off. Because, you know, they started acting crazy,” he explained. “Then they put us on there.”



He also reflected on the star-studded roster that took to the court in Atlanta. “We had a heck of a team,” Payton began. “We had a young Grant Hill, we had a young Penny Hardaway, we had Reggie Miller, we had Mitch Richmond, then it was me, Shaq (O’Neal), John Stockton, Karl Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson. We had a heck of a basketball team.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250308_BUS_350801_1996-Olympics-1024x576_d9649eb6.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-350804" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07202940/1996-Olympics-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07202940/1996-Olympics-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07202940/1996-Olympics-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07202940/1996-Olympics-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07202940/1996-Olympics-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07202940/1996-Olympics-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07202940/1996-Olympics-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07202940/1996-Olympics.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>United States men”s basketball team line up after the decisive match against Yugoslavia at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How did Dream Team II fare at the 1996 Olympics?</h2>



As Payton recalled, several players from the 1992 gold-medal-winning team, including Charles Barkley, David Robinson, Scottie Pippen, Karl Malone, and John Stockton, returned to represent <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/team-usa">Team USA</a> in 1996. However, legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson were absent.


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In addition to Payton, who had just been named the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>’s Defensive Player of the Year with the Seattle SuperSonics, the 1996 squad featured newcomers like Grant Hill, Anfernee Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, Reggie Miller, Shaquille O’Neal, and Hakeem Olajuwon.



The Dream Team II dominated their rivals throughout the tournament, winning every game by an average margin of 31 points. In the final, Team USA faced Yugoslavia and once again showcased their superiority, claiming a decisive 95-69 victory to win the gold medal.



<h2>Team USA also had fun in Atlanta</h2>



In the same interview, Gary Payton shared some behind-the-scenes memories from the 1996 tournament. “We went to Atlanta during the Olympics, and we were out at the strip club every night and blowing everybody out,” the former guard revealed. “We was doing that, Dream Team II. To make that and do that, that was one of the best things ever. The greatest year ever in my whole life that I’ve ever had.”

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NBA legend Gary Payton explains why 1996 Team USA was better than Michael Jordan's Dream Team - Bolavip US

Gary Payton, a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest defensive guards in NBA history, built his legacy with the Seattle SuperSonics before winning a championship with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> in 2006. Known as “The Glove” for his elite perimeter defense, Payton played alongside some of the best talents in basketball. Recently, he revealed his all-time starting five from his former teammates—but surprisingly, he left out Dwyane Wade, sparking debate among fans.



Speaking on the Knuckleheads podcast, Payton put together his dream lineup, which featured some of the greatest players he shared the court with in his teams: Seattle Supersonics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.



“I’ma put Kobe at the two, Shawn [Kemp] at the three, Karl Malone at the four, and Shaq at the five… I had D-Wade, but I can’t put D-Wade over Kobe. I can’t do that,” Payton said. “You gotta understand, Shawn was a beast, Karl Malone was a beast in his prime, and then I cannot not do Shaq. You know I can’t do that.”



While Payton made it clear that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwyane-wade">Wade</a> is an all-time great, he couldn’t justify placing him over NBA legends like Kobe Bryant or even Malone, one of the most dominant power forwards in league history.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250306_BUS_350078_GettyImages-73439957-1-1024x576_3cacfb1f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt=" Gary Payton #20 of the Miami Heat walks with his teammate Dwyane Wade #3 during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers" class="wp-image-350084" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174421/GettyImages-73439957-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174421/GettyImages-73439957-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174421/GettyImages-73439957-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174421/GettyImages-73439957-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174421/GettyImages-73439957-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174421/GettyImages-73439957-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174421/GettyImages-73439957-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06174421/GettyImages-73439957-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Gary Payton #20 of the Miami Heat walks with his teammate Dwyane Wade #3 during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The career of Hall of Famer Gary Payton</h2>



Gary Payton, established himself as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history with his elite defense, playmaking, and relentless trash talk. Selected second overall in the 1990 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, Payton quickly became the franchise’s cornerstone. His defensive prowess and leadership helped Seattle rise to prominence in the mid-1990s, culminating in an NBA Finals appearance against Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in 1996. That season, Payton won Defensive Player of the Year—the only point guard to ever achieve that honor.


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After over a decade with the SuperSonics, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/gary-payton">Payton</a> was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2003 before joining the Los Angeles Lakers later that year in pursuit of a championship. Teaming up with Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Karl Malone, Payton reached the 2004 NBA Finals but fell short against the Detroit Pistons. He then had a brief stint with the Boston Celtics before finally landing with the Miami Heat in 2005, where he played a key veteran role in helping Wade and Shaq secure the franchise’s first NBA title in 2006.



Beyond his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> success, Payton also excelled on the international stage, winning an Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the 1996 Atlanta Games. His career was defined by defensive intensity, clutch performances, and an unmatched competitive spirit that made him a nightmare for opposing guards.



After retiring in 2007, Payton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest two-way guards of all time. His influence on the game remains evident today, as he is often cited as the blueprint for defensive excellence at the point guard position.

Miami Heat legend Gary Payton selects his all-time starting five of teammates, leaving Dwyane Wade out

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Miami Heat legend Gary Payton selects his all-time starting five of teammates, leaving Dwyane Wade out - Bolavip US

The debate over the greatest player of all time (GOAT) in sports often leads to definitive answers in certain leagues. For example, in the NFL, most would unanimously crown Tom Brady as the GOAT. However, the NBA‘s GOAT discussion is far more nuanced, with up to four names often entering the conversation. Hall of Famer <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/gary-payton">Gary Payton</a> recently weighed in, offering his perspective on the matter.



In the NBA, the GOAT debate typically centers around <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> and LeBron James, with other legends like Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry occasionally mentioned. In a recent interview, Payton narrowed his focus to just two players—Jordan and LeBron—the only two he faced during his career.



Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, Payton broke down his criteria for determining the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>‘s GOAT. According to him, Jordan thrived on proving his superiority to opponents on an individual level, while LeBron excelled as a team player, showcasing a broader impact without feeling the need to constantly prove himself.



“Michael Jordan always made it a point to guard the best player,” Payton explained. “Even when I tried to trash-talk him, he’d tell Pippen, ‘I’m watching Gary.’ But in today’s era, LeBron doesn’t exhaust himself like that because he does so much for his team.“



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250112_BUS_311392_LeBron-Teague-1024x576_278f32be.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cleveland, OH, USA - Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James is guarded by Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague, center, and Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis, left, during the first quarter in Game 2 of an Eastern Conference playoff game on Monday, April 17, 2017, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio." class="wp-image-286335" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cleveland, OH, USA – Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James is guarded by Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague, center, and Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis, left, during the first quarter in Game 2 of an Eastern Conference playoff game on Monday, April 17, 2017, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.</figcaption></figure>



Payton ultimately tipped the scales in favor of LeBron James, explaining why he views him as the NBA’s all-time best. “Jordan had a mindset of, ‘I don’t care if I tire myself out; I’m taking this guy because I want to prove I’m better.’ LeBron, on the other hand, understands his role as a team leader and prioritizes his overall contribution. That’s why I prefer LeBron,” Payton concluded.


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<h2>Payton reflects on other key difference between LeBron and MJ</h2>



In addition to comparing the two legends, NBA Hall of Famer shared his thoughts on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron</a>‘s evolution since becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in 2023. Payton highlighted how James has closed the gap with Jordan by refining his execution and overall impact on the game.



“I think Jordan could get to any spot he wanted on the court. However, LeBron is the better all-around player because he can pass and rebound at an elite level,” Payton explained. “Jordan was more of a killer. He would come at you relentlessly, take the toughest shots when it mattered most, and make them. But now, LeBron is transforming into a total killer too, which makes him almost unstoppable.“



<h2>LeBron’s NBA career: A modern masterpiece</h2>



Lakers’ star has crafted one of the most illustrious careers in NBA history, redefining the standards of modern basketball while continuing to elevate his game season after season.



Career achievements:



<ul><li>20-time NBA All-Star</li><li>1-time NBA Scoring Champion</li><li>4-time NBA Champion</li><li>4-time Finals MVP</li><li>2003-04 Rookie of the Year</li><li>20-time All-NBA Team Selection</li><li>Member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team</li></ul>



Career stats:



Across 1,502 games with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron has etched his name in the record books:



<ul><li>Points: 40,706 (most in NBA history)</li><li>Field Goals Made: 14,921</li><li>Three-Pointers Made: 2,434</li><li>Free Throws Made: 8,430</li><li>Assists: 11,098</li><li>Rebounds: 11,262</li></ul>

Gary Payton settles the greatest NBA player of all-time debate

NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton settles the greatest all-time player debate: 'A total killer' - Bolavip US

NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton settles the greatest all-time player debate: 'A total killer'

The Seattle Supersonics were once home to some of the NBA‘s most iconic players, including Hall of Famer <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/gary-payton">Gary Payton</a>. Although Payton didn’t secure an NBA championship with Seattle, he finally achieved that milestone with the Miami Heat in 2006. Still, the pinnacle of his career remains his time with the Supersonics, where he earned numerous accolades and cemented his legacy.



Given his storied <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> career, Payton was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, a testament to his lasting impact on the game. This recognition has also made him a frequent voice in discussions about the league’s most memorable moments. Recently, Payton weighed in on what he considers the greatest dunk in NBA history.



Without hesitation, Payton selected Shawn Kemp’s thunderous dunk on Alton Lister during a matchup between the Seattle Supersonics and the Golden State Warriors in the 1991-1992 season. “I think it’s the No. 1 dunk of all time. Me being a part of that and seeing that, it was great,” Payton told Bleacher Report.



For many fans, that iconic moment epitomized the intensity and spirit of the NBA in the 1990s—a decade defined by fierce rivalries and high-energy basketball. Payton fondly recalled the celebratory aftermath of Kemp’s dunk, which became just as legendary as the play itself. “That’s all anybody ever talks about is a dunk like that, and then he’s squatting down, pointing at Alton Lister,” Payton said, referencing Kemp’s memorable reaction.



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<h2>Why Kemp celebrated that dunk so emphatically</h2>



Fans who witnessed that iconic game were left in awe of the way Shawn Kemp celebrated his thunderous dunk. After the game, the media questioned Alton Lister about the moment, shedding light on the backstory behind one of the NBA’s most memorable plays.


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“We had an altercation the game before. We were out there crawling all over the floor, wrestling. No punches were thrown, but Tim Hardaway had grabbed Shawn and pulled him down from behind, and he thought I did that,” Lister explained. “So that’s why he was so animated toward me when he made that dunk.”



<h2>Context behind Kemp’s legendary dunk</h2>



Despite the tension between Lister and Kemp, the Seattle SuperSonics were laser-focused on defeating the Golden State Warriors in the decisive Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round. With a 2-1 lead in the series, Seattle was just one win away from advancing.



In a thrilling contest that ended 119-116 in favor of the SuperSonics, Kemp and Gary Payton showcased their brilliance, propelling their team into the next round. However, Seattle’s championship aspirations were short-lived, as the Utah Jazz eliminated them in the following round with a 3-1 series victory, abruptly ending their playoff run.

Gary Payton names the greatest dunk of all time

NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton names the greatest dunk of all time - Bolavip US

NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton names the greatest dunk of all time

Last season seemed to suggest that the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> only need another superstar to win the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> championship. That’s why <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> has become their priority target this offseason.



The timing couldn’t be better, since the guard is also ready to leave the Portland Trail Blazers after many years. The teams have to reach an agreement, but Dame has reportedly made it clear he only wants to join the Heat.



Many were surprised to see Lillard give up on the Blazers, after sticking to them through thick and thin. Gary Payton, however, completely understands Lillard as he felt the same way back in the day.



<h2>Gary Payton supports Damian Lillard’s intention to join the Heat</h2>



“Everybody should chase a championship. Why are we playing basketball? That is the whole object of playing basketball,” Payton told Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel.



“If you want to go somewhere else if you’ve got a chance to win a championship, go there. And that’s what I saw when I came to Miami. So I came here, look what happened.”


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Payton, who spent more than a decade with the Seattle SuperSonics, won his first and only ring with Miami in 2006. Dame knows that his championship window won’t last forever, so this could be the perfect moment to join a contender like the Heat.

Former NBA champion with Heat supports Damian Lillard's desire to join Miami - Bolavip US

Former NBA champion with Heat supports Damian Lillard's desire to join Miami

One of the many things that made <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kobe Bryant </a>stand out from the rest of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA </a>players was his confidence. Not only he believed that he was better than anybody else but he worked harder every day to accomplish that goal and lead the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/los-angeles-lakers-t101482" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Los Angeles Lakers</a> to the top of the world.
No one ever questioned Kobe’s talent or work ethic. His character, however, was a different story. He was known for being a tough teammate and his personality reportedly drove multiple stars away from considering playing for the purple and gold.
As a matter of fact, it seems like the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/michael-jordan-reveals-the-final-conversation-had-with-kobe-bryant-20210512-0004.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hall of Famer</a> wasn’t even beloved around his peers when he first entered the league, as he was way overconfident and arrogant before even playing a game in the NBA, according to Gary Payton.
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<h2>Gary Payton Says NBA Veterans Hated Kobe Bryant</h2>
“Kobe came in real arrogant. He was a high school kid coming in there talking about he gonna be the greatest, he’s gonna be one of the greatest basketball players. When he went to the Lakers, it started off when he forced Charlotte to trade… to the Lakers, so it is what it was, man… Them OGs was like, Man, who does this kid think he is, making people do this and that.’… So I just say, yeah, a lot of people were really against him, because of how he acted, but I loved it. He had an attitude, he had a dog to it,“ Payton told Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson.
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Kobe knew that he was poised for greatness from day one but he didn’t just wait for things to happen. He embraced every single challenge and hurdle and worked his way to the top, eventually earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues.
At the end of the day, Bryant finished his career as one of the greatest players to ever do it, and those who questioned him had no choice but to tip their hat off to him and give him his flowers.

Gary Payton reveals NBA veterans really hated Kobe Bryant

Gary Payton reveals NBA veterans really hated Kobe Bryant - Bolavip US

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