Gary Payton’s Last Stop: The Boston Celtics Or Golden State Warriors?

Home is where the heart is. And, if your Gary Payton, it’s also where you could finish your Hall of Fame career. The Sacramento Bee (picked up by HoopsVibe’s news section) reports that Payton has interest in signing with the Golden State Warriors, so he can end his career near his home in Oakland. 

“The Warriors still hold an appeal for the Oakland native (Payton) who lives in Las Vegas and, Golden State might search for a backcourt insurance policy.”

Wait. Hold on. Two weeks ago, Boston appeared poised to sign The Glove as their back-up point guard. And, for ten to fifteen minutes a night, Payton was supposed to lead the new-and-improved Celtics, setting-up superstars Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce.

Beantown could still happen. Only now, after Troy Hudson’s hip injury, The Bay is also a possibility. Both Boston and Golden State are intriguing options.

Payton as a Celtic ...

No two players are more competitive than Payton and Garnett. Of course, G.P. isn’t near his form from those great Sonic sides, but this pair running a pick-and-roll or defensive trap would be something to see.

Then there’s the trash talk. These two would drop epic smack on opponents. Payton could handle the guards, Garnett the bigs. Actually, it wouldn’t matter. Opponents, regardless of position, would be fair game for the mouth of both players.

(Check out GP dogging his All-Star teammates in 2001. Jason Kidd took the worst of Payton’s good-natured ribbing.) 

Payton as a Warrior ...

Payton has always held down his hometown. No matter what uniform he was wearing, the lanky guard embodied blue-collar Oakland. So, if his last season is with the Warriors, Payton would be coming full circle and finishing his career in the same city where he learned to play.

Irony aside, Payton would also look great next to Baron Davis and/or Monta Ellis. He’d likely play limited minutes, but the former All-Star could certainly contribute in Don Nelson’s crazy, up-and-down system.

Either team works. Most important, Payton still has interest in playing. Hopefully, he returns-even if he’s just a role player.

Where should Payton sign: Boston or Golden State. Let us know in the comment box below or hit us up in HoopsVibe’s revamped fan forum. Click here to read and subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA blog.