[外電] Warriors have chance for Payton
GARY PAYTON still sees the court, still dissects strengths and weaknesses,
and, of course, offers commentary. Inactive but not retired, Payton studies
several NBA teams, one of which is the Warriors.
At age 39, he even imagines himself on coach Don Nelson's roster.
"I like Nellie, the kind of ball they play," Payton said during a recent
phone interview.
The Warriors, meanwhile, are open to the idea.
"You know what he would bring," vice president of basketball operations Chris
Mullin said. "So ... possibly. We're open-minded. There are some ifs on both
sides."
Rumors have circulated for a couple of weeks that Payton, who has not played
since last season in Miami, is pondering a return. Given the circumstances,
the Warriors are a logical option.
"(Oakland) is my home," Payton said, "so I'm looking at it. We've talked back
and forth a little bit. They're doing what they have to do, and I'm doing
what I have to do. I have a some things to think about, and so dothey."
With point guard Baron Davis among the league leaders in minutes played, the
Warriors are living dangerously. A dependable backup point guard would allow
Nelson the luxury of reducing Davis' minutes.
Mullin and Nelson have several options. They can stick with C.J. Watson, the
Developmental-League call-up who has five days remaining on a 10-day
contract. They can continue to shop. They can make a trade. Or they can reach
a deal with Payton.
He's experienced, familiar with the league and anticipates playing limited
minutes. Though Payton's natural mentality is that of an outspoken leader, he
has reached the point where he would embrace a backup role. He could spell
Davis as needed, allowing him to stay fresh during the second half of the
season and, perhaps, into the postseason.
It's significant to note Payton has BD's endorsement.
"He's from here, and he's got that veteran leadership," Davis said. "He's got
that swagger. And he's a defensive-minded (player) who's won a championship."
The Dubs would not be getting — nor do they need — the Payton of old. In
his prime, The Glove was an All-Star who rarely left the floor, playing
lock-down defense, controlling tempo and talking the filthiest trash in the
league.
Does Payton have the wheels to merge with the high-speed Warriors? He ought
to be able to go 12 minutes per game, for half a season.
"I think so, but I'm not sure," Nelson said. "It's not impossible. But there
is risk involved."
The primary risk of signing a player approaching his 40th birthday is the
higher likelihood of injury. Payton, naturally wiry, concedes he has some
work to do to get in "game shape."
Once Payton is ready to return, he has to determine whether he's willing to
commit to his hometown team or make himself available to another team he
follows.
"One reason we never announced his retirement is that Gary hadn't decided
whether he would come back," said Aaron Goodwin, Payton's Oakland-based
agent. "There are a couple situations that are starting to look pretty good
to him."
Another of which would be Boston, which rebuilt itself last offseason and
owns the best record in the league. The Celtics, who also need a veteran
point guard, are attractive because they are one of three teams — with San
Antonio and Detroit — in every championship conversation.
Payton spent most of the 2004-05 season with the Celtics, knows coach Doc
Rivers well and has friendships with fellow Oakland native Paul Pierce and
Oakland Tech and Cal product Leon Powe.
Goodwin acknowledged Payton is likely to return. He did not deny the
possibility of Payton joining the Warriors — or, for what it's worth, the
Celtics — saying only that money would not be an factor in Payton's
destination.
Geography, however, might be. Payton, his wife, Monique, and their children
own a primary residence in Las Vegas, a short flight from Oakland. Moreover,
joining the Warriors would allow Payton a chance to finish his career under
unfamiliar conditions — playing before family and friends.
After accepting a scholarship to St. John's — only to have then-coach Lou
Carnesecca renege — Payton signed on at Oregon State. He stayed for four
years, becoming an All-American and graduating with a degree in broadcast
communications before being taken second overall by Seattle in the 1990
draft.
Though Payton's career has taken him from Seattle to Milwaukee to Los Angeles
(Lakers) to Boston and Miami, he always has considered himself an ambassador
for Oakland.
He is close to his father, Al Sr., who tutored Gary during his youth, and his
mother, Annie, a cancer survivor who is "doing pretty well," according to her
youngest son.
Gary has observed several Warriors home games this season and has felt the
passion running through Oracle Arena. He knows Mullin well, likes the team
and has evolved from a demanding teammate to one who plays his role.
"I wouldn't go to a team that's struggling," Payton said. "But I'd have to
get my workout on. If I'm gonna play, I'd have to get ready."
似乎與Payton有些進展....
--
※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc)
◆ From: 59.116.18.142
G-S-WARRIORS 近期熱門文章
230
746
166
400
PTT體育區 即時熱門文章
