Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Gary Payton

How Gary Payton built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Gary Payton, nicknamed "The Glove," is a retired American professional basketball player renowned as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. He spent 13 years with the Seattle SuperSonics, leading them to an NBA Finals appearance and setting franchise records for assists and steals. Payton also played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat, winning an NBA championship with the Heat in 2006. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, Payton was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1990: Drafted by Seattle SuperSonics

In 1990, Gary Payton was selected as the second overall pick in the NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, marking the beginning of his professional career.

February 23, 1991: First Career Triple-Double

On February 23, 1991, Gary Payton recorded his first career triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a game against the Phoenix Suns, though the SuperSonics lost.

November 19, 1991: Season-High Score

On November 19, 1991, Gary Payton scored a season-high 22 points, along with 7 assists, in a road win over the Bullets.

1994: All-NBA Third Team Selection

In 1994, Gary Payton earned his first of 9 consecutive All-NBA team selections, being chosen for the All-NBA Third team.

1995: All-NBA Second Team Selection

In 1995, Gary Payton was selected for the All-NBA Second Team.

1996: Payton Defends Jordan in NBA Finals

During the 1996 NBA Finals, Seattle coach George Karl assigned Gary Payton to defend Michael Jordan. Although the Bulls won the series, Payton's defense contributed to holding Jordan and the Bulls to their lowest offensive output in an NBA Finals. An NBA pregame show highlighted the rivalry between Payton and Jordan, two competitive defensive players.

1996: The Gary Payton Foundation Established

In 1996, Gary Payton established The Gary Payton Foundation to provide safe recreational spaces and support underprivileged youth in Oakland to stay in school.

1996: NBA Finals Appearance and Defensive Player of the Year

In 1996, Gary Payton reached the NBA Finals with the SuperSonics, losing to the Chicago Bulls, and he also won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, the first point guard to win the award.

1997: All-NBA Second Team Selection

In 1997, Gary Payton was selected for the All-NBA Second Team.

1998: All-NBA First Team Selection

In 1998, Gary Payton was selected to the All-NBA First Team, marking a significant achievement in his career.

1998: Radio Show Host on KUBE 93.3

In early 1998, Gary Payton hosted a radio show on Seattle's KUBE 93.3 station during the NBA lockout, playing hip-hop music for charity.

July 1999: Named a "Good Guy in Sports"

In July 1999, Gary Payton was named to The Sporting News' "Good Guys in Sports" list for his community contributions.

1999: All-NBA Second Team Selection

In 1999, Gary Payton was selected for the All-NBA Second Team.

1999: Author of "Confidence Counts"

In 1999, Gary Payton wrote an autobiographical children's book entitled "Confidence Counts" as part of the "Positively for Kids" series, highlighting the importance of confidence through his life experiences.

2000: All-NBA First Team Selection

In 2000, Gary Payton was selected to the All-NBA First Team, adding to his list of accolades.

2000: Payton's Durability Highlighted

In 2000, The Sporting News emphasized Gary Payton's remarkable durability, noting he had missed only two games in ten seasons. Despite chronic back pain, he consistently played nearly a full game, relying on extensive stretching and heating packs.

January 2001: Consecutive Games Streak Ends

In January 2001, Gary Payton's streak of 356 consecutive games played ended. His durability had been a defining characteristic of his 17-year career.

2001: Donation to EOYDC

In 2001, Gary Payton donated $100,000 to renovate the gym at the East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC), where he spent time as a youth.

2001: All-NBA Third Team Selection

In 2001, Gary Payton was selected for the All-NBA Third Team.

2002: Traded to the Milwaukee Bucks

During the 2002-03 season, Gary Payton was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks at the trade deadline along with Desmond Mason.

2002: All-NBA Second Team Selection

In 2002, Gary Payton was selected for the All-NBA Second Team.

2003: Christmas Shopping Spree for Ronald McDonald House Families

For Christmas 2003, Gary Payton took 10 families from the Ronald McDonald House in Los Angeles and gave each of the over 40 children a $100 shopping spree at FAO Schwarz.

2003: Playoff Appearance with the Bucks

In 2003, Gary Payton played with the Milwaukee Bucks, leading them in scoring and assists during the playoffs, where they faced the New Jersey Nets in the first round.

2003: Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers

Prior to the 2003-04 season, Gary Payton signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, joining Karl Malone, to pursue his first NBA Championship.

2004: Traded to the Boston Celtics

Prior to the 2004-05 season, Gary Payton was traded by the Los Angeles Lakers to the Boston Celtics.

February 24, 2005: Traded to the Atlanta Hawks and waived

On February 24, 2005, Gary Payton was traded to the Atlanta Hawks and subsequently waived by the Hawks, leading to his return to the Boston Celtics as a free agent.

September 22, 2005: Signed with the Miami Heat

On September 22, 2005, Gary Payton signed a one-year contract with the Miami Heat, reuniting with former teammates and aiming for another championship run.

2005: Toys-R-Us Shopping Spree for Children

For Christmas 2005, Gary Payton gave 60 children $100 Toys-R-Us shopping sprees as part of the Voices For Children program.

September 6, 2006: Re-signed with the Miami Heat

On September 6, 2006, Gary Payton re-signed with the defending champion Miami Heat for another season.

2006: NBA Championship with the Miami Heat

In 2006, Gary Payton won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2008: Studio Analyst for NBA TV

During the 2008–09 season, Gary Payton worked as a studio analyst for NBA TV.

2009: Analyst for The NBA on TNT

In 2009, Gary Payton served as an occasional substitute analyst on The NBA on TNT, but was later replaced by Kevin McHale for the 2009-10 season.

2013: Analyst for Fox Sports Live

In 2013, Gary Payton was named an analyst for Fox Sports 1's Fox Sports Live.

2016: Weekly Picks for Sports Betting Dime

During the 2016 NFL season, Gary Payton provided weekly picks for Sports Betting Dime.

2024: Named Head Coach at College of Alameda

In 2024, Gary Payton became the head coach of the College of Alameda men's basketball team, following three seasons as head coach at Lincoln University in Oakland.