Gary Payton shares proud dad moment reveling in son’s journey to NBA title

Gary Payton could not be prouder his son is an NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors.

Make that one NBA championship apiece now between Gary Payton and his son, Gary Payton II.

While the NBA legend won his lone league title with the 2006 Miami Heat, the former Seattle SuperSonics icon is loving the fact his namesake son was part of the 2022 Golden State Warriors. It is immense pressure to carry the name of a basketball legend, but Payton II certainly played a huge part in Golden State’s latest league championship. The Warriors have a parade on Monday.

Here is the elder Payton going all proud NBA dad after his son’s incredible team accomplishment.

https://twitter.com/GaryPayton/status/1537986388146024449

Here are the Paytons sharing a moment after Golden State won Game 6 over Boston in Boston.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1537971397032435712

Gary Payton goes full-blown proud NBA dad with tweet celebrating son’s title

“The greatest legacy you can pass on to your children is not money … it’s a legacy of character, determination and faith. My son has remains faithful throughout this journey,” wrote Payton in a heartfelt Twitter message accompanied by a video. The younger Payton may be approaching 30-years-old in his journeyman career out of Oregon State, but he will always be an NBA champion.

It was never easy for “Young Glove” in the NBA. He had only played in a handful of games prior to his “breakout” season with the Warriors. Payton played in 71 games and made 16 starts for the 2022 NBA champions. He averaged 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game in 17.6 minutes per contest this past season. Payton played in his first 12 playoff games for Golden State this year.

After missing most of the Memphis series and all of the Dallas series, Payton returned to the Warriors’ lineup when his team needed him most. He played big minutes in the final five games of the 2022 NBA Finals vs. the Boston Celtics. His 15 points, five rebounds and three steals played a big part in the Warriors winning Game 5 to take back all momentum in the best-of-seven series.

Congratulations to Payton for matching his namesake father in the exclusive NBA rings argument.