The Timeline of Gary Payton Ii and His Mother: Promises Kept, Trophies Won, and Lifelong Bonds
By James H. Sterling
The path to an NBA championship ring was rarely smooth. After going undrafted out of Oregon State in 2016, Payton II spent half a decade bouncing between the NBA G League and short-lived NBA auditions. He lived out of suitcases in Houston, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, and Washington.
During these years, the psychological toll mounted. Teams repeatedly cut him due to perceived perimeter shooting limitations. While his father offered unvarnished tactical critiques, Monique provided constant support. Phone calls following late-night commercial flights in the G League focused on mental health, patience, and staying prepared for an eventual opening.
Her steady hand prevented Payton II from walking away from basketball entirely. In the summer of 2021, on the verge of turning 29, he briefly contemplated applying for the Warriors’ video coordination staff just to stay connected to the organization. Monique urged him to keep his jersey on. Within months, head coach Steve Kerr found that the team's defensive rating improved noticeably whenever GP2 stepped on the floor.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
