History of Gary Payton II in Timeline

Gary Payton II is an American professional basketball player known for his defensive skills. He played college basketball at Oregon State University, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year awards as a junior and senior. Payton won his first NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2022, contributing significantly to their success with his defensive prowess and athleticism. He is recognized for his high energy and impactful play on the court.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1988: Gary Payton's Triple-Double

In 1988, Gary Payton had 20 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists against the University of Portland.

December 1, 1992: Gary Payton II Born

On December 1, 1992, Gary Payton II was born in Seattle, Washington.

Others born on this day/year

2011: High School Graduation and Enrollment at Westwind Preparatory Academy

In 2011, Gary Payton II graduated from Spring Valley High School, where he lettered in basketball and swimming. He then enrolled at Westwind Preparatory Academy for the 2011–12 season.

2012: First Season at Salt Lake Community College

In 2012, Gary Payton II began his college career at Salt Lake Community College.

2013: Region 18 Championship and SWAC Title

In 2013, as a freshman at Salt Lake Community College, Gary Payton II led the Bruins to a 29–5 overall record and a 14–1 mark in the Scenic West Athletic Conference (SWAC), where they won the Region 18 Championship and outright SWAC title. He was named First Team All-SWAC and made the Region 18 All-Tournament Team.

2014: Signed to Play for Oregon State

During Payton's sophomore season at Salt Lake CC he signed a letter of intent to play for his father's alma mater Oregon State under coach Craig Robinson in 2014.

2014: Region 18 Co-Player of the Year

In 2014, during his sophomore year at Salt Lake Community College, Gary Payton II averaged 14.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, earning him Second Team NJCAA Division I All-American honors, and was voted 2014 Region 18 Co-Player of the Year and Region 18 Tournament Most Valuable Player.

January 26, 2015: Pac-12 Conference Player of the Week

On January 26, 2015, Gary Payton II was named the Pac-12 Conference Player of the Week following a home sweep of the Los Angeles schools.

March 9, 2015: All-Pac-12 First Team Selection

On March 9, 2015, Gary Payton II was voted to the All-Pac-12 First Team, All-Pac-12 Defensive Team and named him the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year by Pac-12 coaches.

February 1, 2016: Bob Cousy Award Finalist

On February 1, 2016, Gary Payton II was named one of 10 finalists for the Bob Cousy Award for top point guard of the year.

September 23, 2016: Signed with the Houston Rockets

On September 23, 2016, Gary Payton II signed with the Houston Rockets.

October 31, 2016: Acquired by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers

On October 31, 2016, Gary Payton II was acquired by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League as an affiliate player of the Rockets.

December 3, 2016: 51 point game for Rio Grande Valley Vipers

On December 3, 2016, Gary Payton II scored 51 points on 20-of-29 shooting to go with 11 rebounds in a 140–125 win over the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

April 2, 2017: Signed with the Milwaukee Bucks

On April 2, 2017, Gary Payton II signed with the Milwaukee Bucks and made his debut the same night.

October 17, 2017: Two-Way Contract with the Wisconsin Herd

On October 17, 2017, Gary Payton II was given a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks via their NBA G League affiliate the Wisconsin Herd.

November 22, 2017: First NBA Start

On November 22, 2017, Gary Payton II had his first start in the NBA against the Phoenix Suns, playing as the starting small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks.

January 15, 2018: Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers

On January 15, 2018, Gary Payton II signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

September 4, 2018: Signed with the Portland Trail Blazers

On September 4, 2018, Gary Payton signed a training camp contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.

October 13, 2018: Waived by the Portland Trail Blazers

On October 13, 2018, Gary Payton was waived by the Portland Trail Blazers.

December 12, 2018: Re-acquired by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers

On December 12, 2018, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA G League announced that they had re-acquired Gary Payton.

January 21, 2019: Signed with the Washington Wizards

On January 21, 2019, Gary Payton signed a 10-day contract with the Washington Wizards.

October 24, 2019: Acquired by the Canton Charge

On October 24, 2019, the Canton Charge acquired the returning right from Rio Grande Valley Vipers for Payton in exchange for Jaron Blossomgame.

October 26, 2019: Traded to the South Bay Lakers

On October 26, 2019, Gary Payton was traded to the South Bay Lakers for Sheldon Mac and Robert Heyer.

October 28, 2019: Added to the Training Camp Roster of the South Bay Lakers

On October 28, 2019, Gary Payton was added to the training camp roster of the South Bay Lakers.

November 4, 2019: Included in the Opening Night Roster of the South Bay Lakers

On November 4, 2019, Gary Payton was included in the opening night roster of the South Bay Lakers.

December 23, 2019: Signed with the Washington Wizards

On December 23, 2019, Gary Payton signed with the Washington Wizards.

July 9, 2020: Tested Positive for COVID-19

On July 9, 2020, Gary Payton tested positive for COVID-19.

January 11, 2021: Selected by the Raptors 905 in the NBA G League draft

On January 11, 2021, Gary Payton II was selected 15th overall by the Raptors 905 in the NBA G League draft.

April 8, 2021: Signed with the Golden State Warriors

On April 8, 2021, Gary Payton II signed a 10-day contract with the Golden State Warriors.

2021: Breakout Season with Warriors

In 2021, Gary Payton II had a breakout season with the Golden State Warriors and started the first two games of the Western Conference semifinals against the Memphis Grizzlies.

July 6, 2022: Signed with the Portland Trail Blazers

On July 6, 2022, Gary Payton signed a three-year, $28 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.

2022: NBA Championship with Warriors

In 2022, Gary Payton II won his first NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors.

January 2, 2023: Made Blazers Debut

On January 2, 2023, Payton made his Blazers debut, putting up seven points, four assists, two rebounds, and one steal in a 135–106 win over the Detroit Pistons.