Gary Dwayne Payton is an American former professional basketball player who was a point guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Widely considered one of the greatest point guards of all time, he is best known for his 13-year tenure with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he holds franchise records in assists and steals. He also played with the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat. Payton won an NBA championship with the Heat in 2006. Nicknamed "the Glove" for his defensive abilities, Payton was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. In October 2021, Payton was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Payton with the Miami Heat in 2007
Payton (left) during his stint with the Lakers
Payton playing in the NBA Asia Challenge 2010 in the Philippines
Payton instructing youth from the Nellis Air Force Base community during NBA Cares Hoops for Troops event, 2012
The Seattle SuperSonics were an American professional basketball team based in Seattle. The SuperSonics competed in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Western Division (1967–1970), and later as a member of the Western Conference's Pacific (1970–2004) and Northwest (2004–2008) divisions. After the 2007–08 season ended, the team relocated to Oklahoma City, where they now play as the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Tom Meschery, Bob Rule (SuperSonics) and Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia 76ers) in 1967
Lenny Wilkens in 1968
In 1980, the Seattle SuperSonics' total attendance exceeded that of all other sports or shows held in the Kingdome.
George Karl served as Seattle's head coach from 1992 to 1998.
