Gary Payton Sr. built his legacy by locking down the best scorers in NBA history. He never backed down from a challenge, and he demanded the same relentless mentality from his son, Gary Payton II. But sometimes, the hardest battles aren’t on the court.
Right when Payton II was finding his stride with the Golden State Warriors, a ligament tear in his thumb threw his season off course. Another injury, another setback. With Steph Curry already sidelined, the Warriors desperately need his defensive presence. Now, as his eldest son fights to recover, Payton Sr. is turning his attention to something unexpected. A different kind of ambition brewing within the family
While one son recovers, Payton Sr. is rallying support for his youngest. He recently took to Instagram, sharing a GoFundMe link with a simple but heartfelt message: “Please support my son new business!” Moreover, he also took the chance to express his feelings for his son’s new endeavour by writing, “PROUD OF YOU.” In the background of the message, Julian Payton’s new clothing brand 1oF’s logo could be seen. But what’s this new business about?
LAS VEGAS – JULY 24: Gary Payton (L) interviews Kobe Bryant #10 of the USA Basketball Men’s Senior National Team on the “Best Damn Sports Show Period” after a practice at Valley High School June 24, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
According to the fundraiser page, 1oF is betting on exclusivity. Instead of mass-producing designs, they plan to drop small collections: just 100 pieces per release. Once they’re gone, they won’t be restocked, making each item rare. Moreover, it also revealed that they have support from several athletes and influencers! Not only that, but they also plan to introduce a lottery system for buyers! It seems that the fans can win signed memorabilia, game tickets, or other rewards while purchasing. Payton Sr.’s support towards his youngest son is not surprising, considering his regret over his past behavior with his eldest son!
Gary Payton Sr.’s unforgiving coaching style
If you think all NBA fathers are as easygoing as LeBron James, you haven’t met Gary Payton. While LeBron James has been a guiding force for Bronny, Payton took a drastically different approach with his son, Gary Payton II. His intense coaching style not only shaped his son’s career but also strained their relationship for years.
During an interview with Complex, recently, Payton opened up about the impact of his strict parenting. “I was very hard on my son, you know, and then our relationship got bad because of that,” he admitted. They truly started reconnecting as father and son when Payton II turned 33. “Now I go to the games, and I don’t say anything. So I gotta accept him for who he is.”
November 24, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) celebrates after a defensive stop against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Growing up, Payton II faced relentless pressure from his father, who wanted him to have the same fierce mentality that made Payton Sr. a defensive legend. But their different upbringings created a disconnect. “He told me that I wasn’t really a good basketball player, but not in those words. He kind of lit a fire under me,” Payton II revealed in an interview on Dubs Talk.
For years, Payton II bore the weight of expectations. Coaches saw talent, but comparisons to his father always followed. It wasn’t until his late 20s that he carved his own name in the NBA. “I knew what it was, I knew what [Gary Sr.] was talking about. The more and more I got better, he got quieter.” That silence became the ultimate validation. Well, it seems Gary Sr. has learnt from his lesson and is now taking a more laidback approach when it comes to his sons’ careers. It shows how open he is about accepting his mistakes and how willing he is to work on them.
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