Gary Payton II prefers a nickname that’s an homage to his Hall-of-Fame dad

As his own NBA career takes off on the league-leading Golden State Warriors, Gary Payton II found a nickname he likes that’s an homage to his HOF father. 

With a name like Gary Payton II, it’s hard not being compared to Dad — especially when the elder Gary Payton is a Hall of Fame point guard who spent 17 years in the NBA.

The younger Gary Payton II has had a more difficult path, making his way through several NBA rosters and G-League teams before getting a chance with the Golden State Warriors this season. Now, Gary Payton II is building his own reputation in the league, but he still has a nickname that connects him to his father.

Gary Payton earned the nickname “The Glove” for his defensive prowess when playing in the 1993 Western Conference Finals. These days, Gary Payton II likes being called “Young Glove” as the 28-year-old point guard lives up to his legacy.

Gary Payton II prefers nickname that ties him to his HOF father

In the past, Gary Payton II has earned another nickname tied to his father’s famous handiwork, but the diminutive nature of the word would make any basketball player feel small.

Some people have called Payton II “The Mitten”, or a smaller version of “The Glove.” It makes sense why Payton II would rather be “Young Glove” than “The Mitten”, because “The Mitten” is never going to scare NBA offenses the way “The Glove” once did.

For anyone who’s ever tried to stop an annoying nickname from catching on, Payton II did his best to prevent “The Mitten” from catching on among NBA analysts.

During an NBA on TNT broadcast, Payton II’s mom Monique texted Shaquille O’Neal as he was broadcasting to let him know “Young Glove” is what Payton II prefers.

“I got a text from his mom; they don’t ‘The Mitten.’ [It’s] ‘Young Glove’.” O’Neal said.

For now, Young Glove has gripped San Francisco with his impressive play — and if he keeps it up, he’ll be holding a Championship trophy they way The Glove once did.