Gary Payton on how to guard Michael Jordan and Lebron James


Gary Payton on how to guard Michael Jordan and Lebron James
Gary Payton played 999 in the Supersonics jersey

When one player states their opinion about who is better, Michael Jordan or Lebron James, very few would be able to justify it by playing against them both. But one such player is Seattle Supersonics’ Gary Payton. The latter has played over 13 seasons in the NBA and 999 games in the Supersonics jersey. His most spoken about series was 1996 NBA Finals against the Bulls, where Jordan laughed off him and dunked, also shown in the Last Dance documentary. 

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Payton has also played against Cleveland’s Lebron James, of course during his latter stages in the career. He has also played against the Utah Jazz legend John Stockton. Payton has done it all because of his longevity 

Gary Payton on Michael Jordan and Lebron James 

Gary Payton played against Michael Jordan in the late 90’s and against Lebron James from 2004-2007

In a recent interview, he took turns to explain his secret behind successfully guarding the legends. Beginning with Air Jordan, he detailed, “When you don’t let him get the ball in the sweet spot, he has to work more and insert more energy, and when he inserts more energy, me coming down at the other end of the floor, and let him guard me, I exert more energy on him.” 

He further revealed, “Phil Jackson found it and said, it’s just too much, let Pippen guard him, who’s a bigger player and I couldn’t post him all the time. So, you see me always in the front, I make him work, I make him do it, and referees just let us play. 

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“You know a great basketball player like himself, he just gonna keep fighting, that’s what I liked, I too kept fighting, and that make it harder and he just get tired.” 

Payton’s longevity allowed him to play Cavs’ LeBron James as well. About guarding the 4-time Champion, he said, “Don’t let him do what he wanna do. Stay always active with. That’s what I was doing, being active. Poking at it. All of a sudden, he goes and I’m still in front, but I swipe. It takes something away from him. He tried to grab again and shoot it, but he went for airball.” 

An obvious Supersonics legend, but Payton was selected in the NBA All Defensive team for a record 9 time. He is often compared to Jason Kidd as one of the best defenders to enrich the NBA. However, that is up to one’s personal opinion.

Also Read: He was actually recruiting people to come to Cleveland: Brendan Haywood…

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