NBA Draft 2016: Round 2 Prospects With Round 1 Talent

Gary Payton II, Oregon State Beavers

Position: Point Guard
Age: 23 (12/1/1992)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 184 pounds, 6’8″
Slash Line: .486/.314/.642
Season Averages: 34.3 MPG, 16.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 5.0 APG, 2.5 SPG, 0.7 3PM

It pays to be an elite defensive player in the modern era—especially at point guard. Teams are constantly looking for ways to contain players such as Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook, but the defensive options are scarce.

Gary Payton II could be the the type of player who steps in and helps in the containment of star-caliber playmakers.

Payton II, the son of legendary point guard Gary Payton, is one of the most explosive athletes in this draft class. He ripped off a 38.5-inch max vertical leap, and has impressive end-to-end speed.

The concerning sign, however, is that Payton II posted one of the worst times at the 2016 NBA Draft Combine in the drill measuring lateral quickness.

That’s all fine and well, but anyone who watches Payton II’s game tape will see a potentially elite defensive player. He’s a monster in the passing lanes, is a master of the strip steal, and is absolutely explosive at the rim.

If nothing else works in his favor, Payton II can help a team defend the point guards who are reigning over the modern NBA.

Next: The New J.R.