The long, winding road from undrafted free agent to NBA champion
In short: Before hoisting an NBA trophy with the Golden State Warriors, Gary Payton II navigated a grueling professional odyssey. From being waived by the Rockets to bouncing between the G League and multiple NBA rosters, his journey is a masterclass in persistence and defensive grit.
Gary Payton II, often called "Young Glove," did not follow a linear path to NBA stardom. After a standout collegiate career at Salt Lake Community College and Oregon State—where he earned Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2015—Payton faced the harsh reality of the 2016 NBA draft, where he went undrafted. His early professional years were defined by instability, characterized by short-term stints and frequent roster changes.
Between 2016 and 2021, Payton moved through several organizations. He signed with the Houston Rockets only to be waived after six preseason games, and later navigated the NBA G League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, South Bay Lakers, and Raptors 905. He experienced the volatility of the league firsthand, earning 10-day contracts with the Washington Wizards and two-way contracts with the Milwaukee Bucks, only to be waived by the latter in late 2017.
The turning point arrived in April 2021 when he signed with the Golden State Warriors. This period marked his transition from a journeyman to a vital defensive specialist. His perseverance culminated in a 2022 NBA championship, making him part of a rare group of father-son duos to win NBA titles, alongside his Hall of Fame father, Gary Payton. Beyond the court, Payton's entrepreneurial spirit continues to evolve, as evidenced by his 2025 announcement to launch a professional skateboard league.
Despite facing significant physical setbacks, including a fractured elbow during the 2022 Western Conference semifinals and core muscle surgery in 2022, Payton has maintained his presence in the league, re-signing with the Warriors through the mid-2020s.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Gary Payton II
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-gary-payton-ii.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
