Does Gary Payton II have the best hands in the NBA? | Enhanced podcast

Does Gary Payton II have the best hands in the NBA? In this segment from the Thinking Basketball podcast, Ben and Cody discuss a new nickname for GP2, his athleticism, and compare his pick-pocket skills to his father, Gary Payton. They also reveal what award Payton won this year based on the roundtable voting for the Thinking Basketball "defensive awards."
Full episode on Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
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Website: www.backpicks.com
Twitter: @elgee35
Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
#ThinkingBasketball #Podcast

[@TheNorthie]

If GP2 wants to leave the Warriors for a big contract, I wouldn’t blame him. He’s been playing out of his mind. But on the Warriors, he’s perfect in their offense and defense. He fits like a glove on the Warriors. Or should I say like a gauntlet?

[@jaycarr444]

Smooth lol

[@vincentpaulvirtudazo665]

i see what you did there. i almost didnt "catch" that.

[@Geassmaster55]

He'd be worth less than Caruso

[@TheNorthie]

@@Geassmaster55 if the Warriors wanted to and Gary agreed to it, he could be signed as an MLE.

[@libraalibaba]

How the hell do the warriors get all those gems.

[@fujisama1337]

The Gauntlet is an incredible alternative 😤👌🏾💯

[@DScott-be7pg]

Make me proud to be a Libra ⚖️ ✊🏾

[@swpdisciple]

I like that lol

[@xBornChampionx]

He said himself he prefers Young Glove

[@luisrosa4316]

@@DScott-be7pg Ima Aquarius

[@kabysummit5801]

The minute GP2 steps on the court, the opponents seem to become a little bit tentative, think a bit more, drive slightly less powerfully. Getting pocket picked at any moment can mess with your mind

[@edclee1997]

Love GPII and the nickname Gauntlet. Love the subtle swag he displays every time he makes a play. He's not flamboyant like his dad, maybe because of his tumultuous journey, but he's finding his way in the NBA. We're all grateful for that.

[@ThinkingBasketball]

** Head scratch **

[@willhooke]

@@ThinkingBasketball Gary "Velcro" Payton II Even though it should stick *badum tish* I don't think it'll become a thing... But I like it anyway 🙂

[@kabysummit5801]

@@ThinkingBasketball I don't know exactly how to explain why the headscratch is so bad ass yet sends the message

[@piripiao245]

*The gift that keeps on giving, that's how valuable GP2 is to this team, hopefully they re-sign him....FOREVER, let's go Warriorssssss*

[@jdelgado216]

He probably will get the bag and they have a bad cap situation

[@Rime_24]

his contract is pretty low so it's a low cost high reward deal for the warriors

[@dusk6159]

He's shown to be one of the most valuable players on a team, especially in the Playoffs too, and in crunch time. All-around greatness by GPII

[@piripiao245]

@@jdelgado216 They have his bird rights, so it'll be fine

[@piripiao245]

@@Rime_24 Yep!

[@TheLoxely]

I immediately became a fan of GPII the second he stepped on the court for the Warriors. He was so hungry for a spot on a team, and it showed in his effort on the court, picking up people from 94 feet, the defense, the insane plays even on offensive boards. Young Glove, The Gauntlet, The Little Big Man. I'll be a fan of his for a long time. Even with his pedigree being the Gloves son, he still had to bust his balls through the G League and getting 10 day contracts and finding his way. But man he's showed out and I love to see it and I love seeing the recognition and respect people have for his hussle and his ability on the floor

[@ChanBoogie310]

His heart athleticism and defense. The role player is one of my things in sports they’re so important to a team.

[@dusk6159]

I'm calling that GPII is and will be almost as valuable as Robert Horry. With that defense, rebounding, shot etc

[@billpap.9669]

The tallest 6'3" dude in the league

[@kgc661]

He’s underrated and I’m happy you guys made a video about him. He’s athleticism and hands are next level. He’s a fundamental piece to the warriors championship run

[@TuiGichiimin]

woaw chill bro noone said warriors won chip

[@chrome450]

@@TuiGichiimin read it bro .. no one said warriors won a chip. He said a championship run which every team in the playoffs are doing.

[@ethanspraggins6542]

Loved the GPII stuff but tbh my main takeaway from this video is that the Superstar challenge should still 100% be a thing that would be awesome

[@donnywidodo8874]

their club probably won't allow it, they don't want their star get injured doing weight lifting

[@Deondre_Clark]

The Glove was also the dude running the entire Sonics offense. If he was JUST a defensive specialist he definitely would've been the better defender.... although GP2 is a better athlete so maybe not

[@wallstreetzoomer]

Everyone was an inferior athelete in the 90s so that even out

[@henryviiifake8244]

In fairness to GPII, aka The Gauntlet, he's playing with Steph Curry and Dreymond Green who are both _extremely_ good at running the Warrior's offense, especially together (let us not forget how much chaos Curry causes off-ball). The Glove didn't have players of that caliber to help him on that end.

[@BoolatGuzairov]

I’d like to see the compilation of best role changes which benefited team’s plan (DLo as a defensive coordinator, Payton as a roll man, Bane as a pull-up scorer etc).

[@henlolneh]

His mom went on television and said "please do not call my son "The Mitten"" so uhh yeah lmao

[@Personal_Chizo]

I've said it a few times before, and I'll say it again: these illustrated excerpts are a perfect format.

[@prometheus3498]

The Young Glove is my fav nickname for GP!

[@k.dot21]

iirc GPII said that he preferred “Young Glove” as well

[@jlui21]

“Young glove” sounds better. I prefer something on the lines of “pickpocket” but with less syllables. (Conceptually I like: Sleight of hand? David copper field?)

[@blondegirlsezthis8798]

Kid Glove

[@giruv3208]

@@jlui21 The Snatcher?

[@jlui21]

@@giruv3208 hm, Snatch is solid. Plus, Brad Pitt did a Guy Ritchie film that's quite entertaining. I'll allow this submission, lol.

[@eliasmakonnen488]

I think Dillon Brooks saw this before the game and understood the assignment

[@lonelykiller68]

Grizlies a bunch of dirty players. They took GP2 their best player to guard Grizzlies MIP star. Now GP2 career is done.

[@t4d0W]

Just caught up with it and it hella looked egregious. These guys and Grayson Allen all belong in juvi.

[@guiyong]

Butchering 3 out of 5 Warriors rooster players in one game. Well done, Grizzlies.

[@dryiyce5347]

Convenient timing. Let's go "Gauntlet"

[@zeeee985]

you guys have amazing chemistry on camera. keep on at this rate and you might just become my new favorite youtubers 🙏🏽

[@kwelitysoul]

It’s natural for him. It’s in his blood. The Gauntlet.

[@gdog7105]

I went like "OH MY GOD" from a few clips, I'm gonna hear that video again without trying to grasp how the hell GP2 does these kinds of plays

[@dusk6159]

It's that all-time role player magic. He's a big luxury to have on your team.

[@declan781]

3 blocks on Jokic this season

[@zzzzzzzoooorrrroroooo]

gp2 coulda been a hell of a nfl player glad he chose NBA tho as a warriors fan

[@henryviiifake8244]

I'll be disappointed if I don't see "The Gauntlet" on GPII's list of nicknames on Basketball Reference soon, because that is _elite_ 🔥

[@ZioComposite]

God, between GP2 and healthy Andre with Draymond is defenders paradise when it comes to hands. GP2 is crazy but Andre is the last person I want on me in clutch situations to score.

[@RIPJimmyA7X]

That swipe down that Andre has perfected is basically undefeated lol its like I've never seen it not work

[@ZioComposite]

@@RIPJimmyA7X absolutely, time and time again bro, Andre does it to everyone lol

[@adidasboy3207]

@@ZioComposite the moment he swipe down, you can start running back to defend.

[@SaberFate]

I'd say oladipo, butler, tucker, and lowry are even better with their hands. At times against Boston they were picking there pockets at will, game 3 especially.

[@ZioComposite]

@@SaberFate the biggest issue with nba playoffs is how much the refs allow at times one team to be more physical. They call it evenly, great. But way too many times, each playoffs this happens. As a neutral viewer it's really off putting and IMO takes away from the teams

[@anirudh_cr]

As a warriors fan he’s been insane this year. To think that when he got cut by the warriors he was thinking about joining the staff as a video coordinator is crazy. He has been absolutely incredible. I would love for him to get a big contract anywhere in the league, he deserves it. Very unlucky and pissed of that he got injured the way he did. Hopefully he gets back stronger. #GP2Gauntlet

[@1imjy]

fuckkkkk GP2 injured rn on a dirty play this is so bad

[@stxx1982]

Dude such a clutch video. I've been searching for a GP2 breakdown and I get it from my favorite bball channel.

[@dusk6159]

Quality recognized quality so Ben on GPII and his impacts on the game was bound to happen.

[@ReCharredSigh]

The hands of GP Sr and the hops of Reignman.

[@pesky19]

i would love a full breakdown of GPll's game and Lu dorts game too!

[@cyberft]

Great segment. Happy Young Glove/the Gauntlet is getting some shine. He’s been a force all season.

[@ermuuuuu]

Great vid as always! Would really love it if you do a breakdown on the Suns' mastery of the Spain P&R. They seem to have different counters and wrinkles to it and they also defend it really well when used against them.

[@KD-zw7km]

Can you do one on Ant Edwards ? Dude is silently becoming one of the best two-way players in the league.

[@bmebuzz8718]

Ant? Two way? U sure?

[@chiarosuburekeni9325]

DJMeech impression

[@r33s3mane]

@@bmebuzz8718 yes two way

[@KD-zw7km]

@@bmebuzz8718 He had 1.5 stl and 1.5 blk per game in playoffs. That's insane for a guard. Also he was making life really hard for morant and numbers prove that.

[@fazediamond5671]

@@KD-zw7km he was the primary defender on ja so sure

[@MrHotSpice100]

He’s steals are insane

[@fhjunior6183]

Thanks for the vid

[@nellyville69]

He's so energetic and eccentric his passion for the Game is crazy his defense is just like his Dad

[@kaibrenker6056]

Your point about him being a better defender then his dad is very thought provoking. Intangibles wise you might be right, i didn’t quite understand the percentage argument going both ways, and I think part of it is also the in your head aspect his father had against his opponents.

[@Matt-ju9si]

GP2 is a low-key star at playing head games. He's handsy in an annoying way. He has several mocking celebrations that never rise to the level of a technical. He's a talker, but not a yapper. He's his dad's son and I absolutely love it.

[@eaddyeaddy1163]

Please make a video called the gauntlet about this guy!!!!

[@cacaw_0]

4th quarter against the Grizzlies game 1, Dray was out with the ejection and Looney was in with the death ball lineup. For about 3 minutes straight, Ja Morant just blew by people and got open layups while Looney was stuck on the weak side unable to rotate in time. That's when i thought, damn you need Draymond in close games exactly for this reason. If Dray was playing, the Griz would never be able to get such easy buckets to stay in the game. As soon as i thought that, Steve Kerr subs in GP2 for Looney to act as our center in the small lineup. I immediately felt reassured and inspired that coach saw the exact same problem and adressed it. I knew that GP2 would completely stuff any and all attempts in the paint without fouling. That's how much i trust this dude. He has never let me down defensively, and i think he never will. Young Glove is probably the best defender i have ever seen play basketball, bar none. And i am not exaggerating.

[@stripesteel6406]

Better than Draymond?

[@jonathanf2854]

Amazong take, though his name is the Gauntlet 😂👌🏾

[@cacaw_0]

@@stripesteel6406 honestly? i think so.. he is definitely more "skilled" and accurate at defense than Dray was when he was his age and possibly even currently? The only disadvantage is his size which I'd expect to render him useless in some scenarios, but he keeps surprising me by winning the matchup anyway. I'd say Dray wins on experience all around at this time. That's coming from a long time hardcore Draymond fan: Young Glove made me doubt that Draymond=GOAT defensively. I don't know what to think anymore. Here's hoping he keeps it up for many years to come

[@allday1047]

@@cacaw_0 He may be a better on ball defender than Dray, but overall? Not even close!

[@t4d0W]

damn dude. I'm glad you really missed the defensive clinics Rodman gave throughout his career.

[@kramp8188]

This is the first time I see their faces and they look completely different from what I imagined just listening to the podcast lmao

[@ThinkingBasketball]

This happens to me all the time. I'm about 0 for 508 on imagining podcast faces.

[@sujudolls]

I love your channel. Thank you.

[@ramolong]

Hey Ben! I love your content and have been subbed for a while now. It's incredible to see how far you have come with this channel. I agree that GP2 is the spitting image of his dad. Best hands in the league though? He's not worse than 2nd no doubt. Just remember that Jimmy Butler has more steals than fouls for his career.

[@alexcerv]

really, thats insane for jimmy!

[@Schraiber]

Absurd that he went from being out of the league to starting a playoff game in the second round

[@stephenmoney4722]

the mitten is like the nerfed version of the glove 🤣

[@RevTheHermit]

Watching GP II play is so mesmerizing.

[@curry-hk9zm]

I would love to see a whole 10-20 min breakdown on GP2's defense

[@stevendumbe2049]

I know you’ve concluded your greatest peaks series, but it would’ve been dope if you made a video on Allen Iverson. One of the best to ever do it especially for smaller players !!

[@adamzerner5208]

The clip of him defending Jokic in the post and blocking him at 4:16. Props for finding that.

[@tnk4me4]

These dude's literally just made up the best NBA nickname I've heard this millennium.

[@idunnodoyou]

idk, Skyf*ker might be the best of recent memory lol

[@draneel009]

Please make a full video about GPII

[@RezBlair]

sad to know that we probably won't see any gp2 on the playoffs anymore.

[@dumbo2515]

Look at gp2 head scratching man, so inspirational.

[@djitunez]

You go and drop this video and Memphis took this personal. 🙄 Sheesh

[@MrPlow-jc4cr]

"The Gauntlet" is pretty damn good, Ben. But I am partial to shouting "Mitten Mania!" nonetheless

[@SJHaack]

I cannot believe how wrong you guys are about calling him the Mitten. It's SUCH a good nickname. So completely encompasses your hand you can't even see the fingers! And it's adorable!

[@TheTEN24]

He’s come out of nowhere this year and balled out for golden state. He plays the perfect role for them

[@jacobneuburger1559]

Young glove is the best nick name imo

[@BigTymers1211]

Thank you for giving notice to GP2, he literally is personify what a Warriors team is about: Smart, defense first, team first, jack of all trade. Also, he play way above his size (he can randomly get a rebound within a bunch of centers and forwards) Also, GP2 does have an official nick name (the one that GP2 himself approve): YUNG GLOVE (that's how he wants it to be spelt)

[@ThinkingCap_]

great vid

[@mateusbez2669]

There is probably is a very proud father listening to this podcast…

[@GraniVision]

Gary the Gauntlet is an accurate description

[@flippjon]

I guess people forgot he was G League DPOY before getting signed by GS...

[@jaydenwang3896]

The warriors have so many players that are deserving of pretty big contracts, it's actually interesting seeing if any role player decides to leave if they don't get the contract that they would want.

[@Tanya-er5yl]

he is one of my favourite players

[@william420adam]

He also plays so much bigger than his 6’3 height. It’s similar to Dreymond where he holds his own in the paint considering his size

[@realtingdis1574]

U guys r underrated rs

[@pids11]

Watching GP2 play D reminds me of playing as GP1 in NBA Live '96. Just go up to the ball handler, spamming 'y' and you got yerself an auto steal!

[@ryanmanoo2988]

I don’t wanna say this vid jinxed it😭

[@sollymadeit]

70s was lit

[@victuscaparas2262]

Damn, i love him so much😊

[@zhengli8420]

His arm got broken today...

[@shanoomac]

The gauntlet is a fire name

[@kungfukenny1540]

Do you think he could start pg for a different team? How good is his playmaking?

[@moto2442]

No he's not a PG. He's more a 5 than a 1. He's very much a Bruce Brown, Caruso type but he's a slightly worse passer than those 2 but way more explosive when going to the rack which means he'll get more ORBs and probably catches more bodies per minute than anyone else in the league. He could definitely start at the 2 for some teams. Luckily warriors have his early bird rights and can offer 10 mil per yera.

[@ArmandoMPR]

Stop calling him The Mitten, he prefers to be called Young Glove. At least that's what his family prefers. Shaq said so during one of the Inside shows. Someone, probably his father, communicated this to Shaq.

[@andrewillhalm2506]

For me he is already the second best on-ball defender in the league, at shooting guard, behind Thybulle or even the best if we consider the fact that Thybulle played mainly small forward this season. Among the 155 guards/G-F that played at least fifty games in this regular season, GPII ranked: -second in deflections per 36, only 0.1 behind Thybulle. -second in steals per 100 possessions, behind Alvarado (Thybulle is 3rd) -4th in forced turnovers per 100 possessions (Thybulle 28th) -7th in defensive loose balls recovered per 36 (Thybulle is 39th) -7th in diff%, which is the difference between opposing players' FG% when guarded by a specific player and their overall FG% when guarded by anybody else (Thybulle is 3rd) -23th in blocks per 100 possessions (Thybulle is 1st)

[@_blankface]

They should really bring that superstars show back lol that sounds entertaining as hell

[@mastaaceexclusive]

look at the DNA being handed over. that swipe reaction time is not just practice. thats awesome lets finish this run LETS GOOO

[@ThorfinnMacbeth]

I mean his nickname is Young Glove thats not really up for debate- BUT I do love the gauntlet

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

1:07 You steal the ball: GREAT It flies to an open 3 point shooter: 💀

[@illicitburn9386]

Hmmm I'm not gone lie yall got me thinking but man GPII is a problem especially in that Golden State system

[@nofuture_at_all]

GPII found his role with the Warriors and now having valuable minutes in Playoffs. I don't know how the Warriors do this. I'm a Wizards fan and I saw GPII on his first game with us against the Knicks in 2019, he had 6 steals that night. He's everywhere on the court. He did that twice in the same week. I thought he would be a part of our team but he started to lose minutes as the team gets healthier.

[@user-fx3od5mp8q]

Who's here after he got hurt :(

[@Alic4444]

They took him out in the first 3 minutes.

[@jayoodyang747]

I think he has a lot of potential. Def Starting 5 level

[@mrsuppertime1]

Mittens is such a cool nickname.

[@Aggrandize.__]

Bro just got a fractured elbow last night 😭😭😭😭😭

[@Eon210]

The Gauntlet…. I like that.

[@deeboo_4]

I think that he wants to be called "young glove"

[@t4d0W]

I can ride on that take that GP2 is the better on ball stopper than his dad. But I'd argue that GP Sr was the more versatile overall defender AND for his prime years had a stretch (from 25 ~ 34 yrs old) where he averaged 39.1 MPG! Imagine having a dude whose Jrue's size (about) being able to ideally play that lock down D for the ENTIRE game and more so in playoffs where you want your best on the floor as much as possible. Hell he averaged 43.8 mpg in his combined playoff run from 96-98. There is one thing to be that defensive piece for stretches. There is another to be the defensive sentinel where he made life a living hell for ball handling guards (with the stiffest competition he admits to being John Stockton, the eternal NBA steal leader).

[@samuelsmith9582]

Now he only has 1 hand. Sadge.

[@sch0705]

Now we all know what we will miss in this playoff when GP2 injury. This is all time great level of defense.

[@bq6239]

Yes

[@fazediamond5671]

First comment on the video

[@BonafideJas]

Please post the thinking basketball awards on KZbin I beg of you

[@haroldpianocovers4292]

Can you do a seth curry analysis

[@NikoBellic20080]

Like father, like Son !

[@user-hc9jd1nr2n]

The fact he was the last roster spot. Thankyou Lakers for deciding to go with AB

[@KidnapT]

You made a videos about him yesterday and now he’s injured…

[@tysak4]

Young Glove

[@crossgordon4376]

if payton sr played in todays game he'd be a superstar version of pat beverley. if payton jr played in the 90's he'd still be a minor role player but wouldn't take him as long to blossom

[@uuh4yj43]

superstar version of pat beverley sounds like a backhanded compliment but i get it lol, i think he would fit more of a young john wall archetype with better hands, good strong defensive guard who can playmake and score at an above average rate.

[@t4d0W]

@@uuh4yj43 Durable as hell too. To piggy back on the video commenting his absurd MPG numbers in his prime career, he was still active as a veteran bench player and was there to help the 2006 Heat win their chip.

[@ma.t.t.9096]

How about Go-Go Gagdet Hand?

[@localneo-graphic4647]

Come on man, don't shut down the idea that GP WOULD have had a higher steal rate playing 20 minutes a game of mostly one-way play. Espeecially when his peak 96 steal rate was only .1% lower than his son's. Sometimes, you really have to let go of the per/100 stat, and I honestly do not understand your absolute refusal to acknowledge any RS per game stat. I'm not saying they're ideal, but it gives context to heavy lifters that carry their teams and the sacrifices they have to make. I don't think GP2 can be a full-time starter and an 'essential' piece to a championship caliber team. The Warriors have tapped into a singular purpose for him, and that purpose gives them more flexible rotations and outright devastating small ball perimeter defense options.

[@ColinPatrickWeiss]

sad to see him get injured!

[@jayjonah83]

Payton has to have the highest on ball steal rating per 36 in the league. idk if that's a stat but Dude is a walking steal. I call him At Your Own Risk bc that's how you dribble around him.

[@uuh4yj43]

reminds me of young kawhi, you think he is getting blown by somebody and the ball is already out their hands