Gary Payton's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Gary Payton. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1987: Pac-10 Honors

In 1987, Gary Payton was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and conference Freshman of the Year.

1989: Featured in Sports Illustrated

During his senior season in 1989, Gary Payton was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated on March 5 as the nation's best college basketball player.

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: 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.

1996: Elected into OSU's Sports Hall of Fame

In 1996, Gary Payton was elected into Oregon State University's Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his achievements during his college career.

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.

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.

2000: All-NBA First Team Selection

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

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: All-NBA Third Team Selection

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

2002: All-NBA Second Team Selection

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

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.

2013: Induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2013, Gary Payton was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing his exceptional basketball career and contributions to the sport.

October 2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In October 2021, Gary Payton was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, further solidifying his place among the greatest players in NBA history.

2022: Marcus Smart Selected as Defensive Player of the Year

In 2022, Marcus Smart became the first point guard since Gary Payton to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, ending Payton's distinction as the only point guard to win the award in its first 39 years.