Gary Payton: Is The Glove Still The Standard for Defense?

Gary Payton (born April 23, 1968) is a retired American basketball guard celebrated for his defining defensive mindset and long NBA tenure. Known as The Glove for his lockdown perimeter defense, Payton starred for the Seattle SuperSonics before stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat. He helped Miami win an NBA Championship in 2006 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, cementing a legacy that reshaped how guards contribute on defense in NBA basketball. As we look toward 2025, Gary Payton’s impact remains a touchstone for discussions about defensive versatility and guard-level intensity in the NBA.