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Milwaukee Bucks: Gary Payton II 2016-17 season grades

By Josh Cornelissen

Apr 2, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Payton II (0) guards Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea (5) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Payton II (0) guards Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea (5) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 12, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) goes to the basket around Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Payton II (0) during the second half of the Boston Celtics 112-94 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) goes to the basket around Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Payton II (0) during the second half of the Boston Celtics 112-94 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Time On The Court

Payton appeared in just six games down the stretch for the Bucks, for the most part filling in as the backup point guard in Brogdon’s absence. Twice he received more than 15 minutes of playing time, including the season finale when Kidd rested many of the team’s regular rotation players.

Both of his longer opportunities resulted in poor shooting totals but a diverse contribution elsewhere in the box score.

The last game of the year saw Payton on the court for the longest period of time. With key players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton sitting, the guys at the back end of the roster were able to see more run. Payton played over 32 minutes, scoring only three points but chipping in seven rebounds, five assists, and amazingly, two blocks.

In none of his six individual games did the Bucks outscore the opposition during Payton’s minutes, with the worst showing being a -21 mark in 30 minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He played just 54 seconds against the Charlotte Hornets in the season’s penultimate game, yet was -5. Despite stuffing the stat sheet against Boston in game 82 (sixth for Payton), the point guard was just 1-for-4 from the floor and a -18.

To make a definitive declaration after six games, most of which were played with ever-changing personnel, is not only foolish, but would sell Payton short . He certainly put in a lot of effort as befitting of a young player fighting for a roster spot. His ability to contribute outside of shooting was certainly a trait he communicated on the court, even if his ability to make shots was not.

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