Miami have a 3-2 lead over the Mavs going back to games six and seven in Dallas. While it is Wade who has been absolutely phenomenal throughout the series (and Dirk has been equally disappointed), I'm sure I wouldn't be the only Sonics fan happy to see GP sign off a magnificent career with a ring, even if he did whore himself around a bit to try and get it.
I'll be very happy to see GP finally get a ring. Do you guys think he'll be back for more, or is this it for The Glove? I think he might retire...
I'd be happy to see him win, but I find it hard to cheer for him with his almost nonexistent contribution to the team. He plays solid defense, but that's about it these days.
When GP was in the Emerald City you wouldn't have found a bigger Payton in the world. As bad as you guys think that I am w/ Flip I was even more vocal about my admiration for Payton as a youngster. But at the end of the day, I'm still pulling for the Mavs b/c I am not fond of too many players on the Heat--or their coach. If GP would have signed a long term deal with a contender when he was a free agent in '03 than I would have continued to be a staunch supporter of him but it really bothered me to see him try to "steal" a championship in L.A. and then make himself look like an ass on T.V. complaining about how he was treated in the process. GP never was a guy who fought his personal battles in the media and it disappointed me to see him not only losing his confidence/swagger but also his composure. At one point I would have argued that Payton was one of the best point guards ever but his past three seasons have really diminished his legacy. He will always be the greatest Sonic of all time but I'm not going root for the Heat just b/c Payton is on the team. I am happy when he makes an impact but it is still difficult to see him as a last resort offensive option for that team. If the Heat end up winning the title I will not use Payton's ring as a way of justifying his rank amongst the league's great guards. Outside of his time in Seattle and in Milwaukee Payton has been at best a complimentary player. Stockton said it best, "Sometimes it is more important to compete on a daily basis for a championship than it is to just be on a championship team." That is why I regard Stockton as the best point guard of my generation.
You know, I agree with that. As I was watching the game, I was thinking to myself, is this what G really wanted? He isn't contributing much. He plays 20 mins a game, yes, but...from a guy who is/was used to dominating a game to just being 'one of the guys'...how much will this ring be worth to him? Had he won a ring with the Sonics the feeling of accomplishment would have been much, much great obviously. Take away the last 3 years of GP's career and he is hands down (IMO) one of the best point guards the league has had.
If I was choosing players for my team, I would still take GP in his prime over any point guard in history besides Magic and Oscar.
GP in his prime was one of the most complete players we've ever seen. He did it all, DPOY 20 point scorer, he was truely amazing. It would be great to see him go out on top.
Payton has hit some huge shots this series. I still think he has had a solid impact on the Heats success.
i used to be a huge gp fan, but did he always used to have that wierd marion like release? i dont remember it, but he kept shooting like that in the finals.
I couldn`t be anymore happy for GP. He may receive some critcism from his trash talking and like what Sir Desmond said, Gary going from best team to best team. Still though, he will go down as one of the best point guards in the game, and he finally got a ring to prove some greatness for him.
I'm glad Payton finally got a ring, I've always wanted him to get one. And I think he will retire so he can go out on a winning note but I HOPE he doesnt retire. Not just yet.
