Are there any current NBA players who remind you of yourself in terms of their game or tenacity? You mentioned Patrick Beverley, so I’m guessing he’s one. Gary Payton: There are two: Marcus Smart and Patrick Beverley. They both remind me of myself. They’ll go at you. Beverley is a little bit different because he doesn’t have the offensive game that I had. But Marcus is starting to become that kind of player – he’s starting to score and shoot the ball. But both of them are dogs on the defensive end. My son, [Gary Payton II], has a little of that in him and he’s doing the same thing. He can get at you when he wants to and he’s long for someone who’s 6-foot-3, so his length will hurt you too. When you have them type of guys who can play defense that type of way, it’s always a bonus for their team. When you have a guy who can lock down like that, he’s always giving you great stuff on that end. But can they give you something on the other end? All three of them need to work on their offense
Boston Celtics Rumors
Gina Mizell: #Suns are listing Kelly Oubre Jr. (concussion protocol) as OUT for tomorrow’s game at Boston. Cam Johnson (quad bruise) is questionable.
John Karalis: Celtics announce Jaylen Brown is questionable tomorrow. They also list Marcus Smart as probable with a left ankle sprain and Theis probable with right knee soreness
LeBron James leads NBA jersey sales ranking
Tim Reynolds: NBA latest sales rankings are out, based on what’s moving at NBAStore.com … Top jerseys: LeBron, Giannis, Steph, Tatum, Harden and Luka. Top teams: Lakers, Celtics, 76ers, Raptors (a new high) and Bucks. Notable: Zion’s jersey is 15th, though he hasn’t played yet.
Alex Kennedy: The NBA just announced the most popular jerseys of 2019. – LeBron James is #1 for the second year in a row. – Giannis Antetokounmpo (#2), Jayson Tatum (#4) and Luka Dončić (#6) each earned their highest ranking to date. – Zion Williamson (No. 15) made his debut on the list.
Tim Bontemps: The Celtics say Jaylen Brown is out tonight against the Bucks with a right thumb sprain. Jayson Tatum is back after sitting last night with a sore knee.
