Gary Payton II NBA Draft Journey: From Undrafted to Golden State Warriors Champion

2025-11-17 11:00

I still remember watching the 2016 NBA Draft with mixed emotions, seeing talented players get their names called one after another while Gary Payton II sat waiting for a call that never came. Having followed basketball for over two decades, I've always had a soft spot for underdogs—those players who defy conventional wisdom and carve their own paths. Payton's journey from being completely overlooked to becoming an integral part of the Golden State Warriors' 2022 championship run stands as one of the most compelling narratives in recent NBA history. What fascinates me most isn't just his eventual success, but the winding road he took to get there—a road that reminds me of how unpredictable athlete development can be, whether we're talking about basketball or other sports where unexpected talents emerge against all odds.

The draft snub in 2016 was particularly puzzling to me because Payton had shown flashes of brilliance at Oregon State. Sure, he wasn't the most polished offensive player, but his defensive instincts were clearly special—I'd argue they were among the best in his draft class. He finished his college career with impressive numbers: 1,041 points, 656 rebounds, and 256 steals across two seasons, becoming the first player in Pac-12 history to record back-to-back seasons with at least 100 steals. Yet all 30 teams passed on him, not just once but twice through both rounds. I've always believed that the draft process overvalues offensive skills while underestimating defensive specialists, and Payton's case perfectly illustrates this bias. His first few years in the league were exactly what you'd expect for an undrafted player—a series of 10-day contracts, G League assignments, and constant uncertainty. He played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Washington Wizards within his first three seasons, appearing in just 44 total games and averaging a mere 2.7 points per game. I remember thinking he might become one of those players who floats around the league without ever finding his footing.

What strikes me about Payton's journey is how it mirrors the unpredictable nature of sports careers everywhere. Just when you think someone's path is set, circumstances change dramatically. This reminds me of situations in other sports where unexpected vacancies create opportunities—like how 25-year-old Slovakian winger Katrin Trebichavská appears poised to replace Chantava for Saturday's match against Farm Fresh in Montalban, assuming no last-minute paperwork issues arise. These sudden openings can make or break careers, much like when Payton got his second chance with Golden State in 2021. The Warriors' system turned out to be the perfect fit for his skills, though even then his path wasn't straightforward. He was waived and re-signed multiple times before finally securing a guaranteed roster spot. I've always admired Steve Kerr's willingness to give defensive specialists meaningful roles, and he recognized something in Payton that other coaches had missed—the ability to change games without needing offensive plays called for him.

Payton's impact during the 2021-2022 championship season was nothing short of remarkable. He appeared in 71 games, starting 16 of them, and averaged 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in just 17.6 minutes per game. But statistics don't capture his true value—the energy he brought off the bench, the defensive stops that shifted momentum, the highlight-reel dunks that electrified the crowd. My favorite moment came during Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against Dallas, when his defensive pressure forced two critical turnovers that sparked a 10-0 run. Those are the contributions that often go unnoticed in box scores but win championships. What I find most impressive is how he carved out such a specific, valuable role despite not being a primary scoring option—a lesson for young players that there are multiple ways to impact winning.

Watching Payton receive his championship ring was particularly satisfying for someone who's followed his career from the beginning. In a league increasingly dominated by three-point shooting and offensive statistics, he proved that defensive excellence still matters. His journey reinforces my belief that development isn't always linear—sometimes players need the right system, the right coaching staff, and the right opportunity to flourish. The Warriors' championship wasn't just about Steph Curry's brilliance or Klay Thompson's return; it was about role players like Payton exceeding expectations and contributing in ways nobody anticipated. As the NBA continues to evolve, I hope teams take note—sometimes the most valuable pieces aren't the lottery picks, but the undrafted gems who just need someone to believe in them. Payton's story isn't just about basketball; it's about perseverance, finding the right fit, and making the most of opportunities when they finally come.