Payton believes Stockton was tougher to guard than Jordan - Yahoo/Spears

[Mr. McGibblets]

Gary Payton believed John Stockton was the toughest player for him to guard, and that includes defending Michael Jordan.

When asked about defending Jordan, Payton said: "Those battles were a little easier. I would have Jordan get mad at me and go back at me. He knew he was really talented and could do whatever he wanted to. But [Stockton] was more of a challenge to me than guarding someone that would talk back to me. When you talk back to me and say something to me it made my game go to another level. John was one who wouldn't say nothing and you couldn't figure him out. He'd keep going in the pick and rolls and he and Karl Malone would score a big bucket. At times I would guard Jordan and get him mad and into other things."

Payton feels he was better than Stockton, but he concedes that the former Utah Jazz guard had a remarkable basketball IQ.

"I really think I was better as an athlete and in everything all-around," Payton said. "But he was just a smarter basketball player than us. He just got it done. I do think I was a better basketball player. I can do more things skills-wise. He just showed he knew how to play the game and that was the biggest difference."

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--gary-payton-might-cry-at-hall-of-fame-induction-202019084.html

 

[Revolution 9]

Maybe you'd win a skills challenge Gary over John, but I really don't think you were clearly better than him.

 

[ema]

Payton feels he was better than Stockton, but he concedes that the former Utah Jazz guard had a remarkable basketball IQ.
"I really think I was better as an athlete and in everything all-around," Payton said. "But he was just a smarter basketball player than us. He just got it done. I do think I was a better basketball player. I can do more things skills-wise. He just showed he knew how to play the game and that was the biggest difference."

Sorry Payton, I like you as one of the greatest perimeter defenders but the mental side of the game is also a part of the game, maybe even the most crucial part. It's not an outside skill of basketball. Stock was a better player than you regardless whatever you think.

 

[NUMBERICA]

Stockton was harder to guard than Jordan, but he thinks he's better than Stockton? Strange quote.

 

[The Midnight]

Well this video was posted in 2010... so I dunno why this issue is raised now, is it boredom of the offseason??


Anyway - what would the team be like with Payton & & Barkley & Malone in the same team?!?!?! It'll be the funniest team to have EVER played.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-cG7uUBYxo

 

[sirkickyass]

It's getting more publicity because he's doing a lot of interviews related to his impending hall of fame induction.

I've thought in the past that his Stockton love, while obviously a sign of moral rightness, might have a bit of cynicism to it. Payton is a god in Seattle, Stockton is very popular in the state of Washington. I'ts possible that this is one of those things where you name the local guys because it also keeps your fan base happy.

On the other hand, it's hard to imagine people holding it against him if he answered Jordan to a question like that, so he might honestly believe it.

 

[The Midnight]

It's getting more publicity because he's doing a lot of interviews related to his impending hall of fame induction.

I've thought in the past that his Stockton love, while obviously a sign of moral rightness, might have a bit of cynicism to it. Payton is a god in Seattle, Stockton is very popular in the state of Washington. I'ts possible that this is one of those things where you name the local guys because it also keeps your fan base happy.

On the other hand, it's hard to imagine people holding it against him if he answered Jordan to a question like that, so he might honestly believe it.

If you do factor in Stockton's passing and pick and roll game as well I can see why he would be tougher to guard.


Payton is a very good on ball defender and certainly takes pride in guarding his man. Stockton's passing in pick and roll play effectively takes the on ball defender out of the equation...

 

[Revolution 9]

Funny how he has to knock John a little after he praises him. Stock is tougher than Jordan, but Payton makes sure to say that he
was better than Stockton. lol.

 

[ema]

Funny how he has to knock John a little after he praises him. Stock is tougher than Jordan, but Payton makes sure to say that he
was better than Stockton. lol.

He does the similar subtle thing about Jordan in this whole thing.

"Nahh, Jordan wasn't that tough to guard, I could make him mad and into another things" blah blah...

It's like all this praise Stockton deal is for praising himself.