“I criticized my son so much, man. I just told him it wasn’t gonna be nothing. And he proved me wrong.” Recently, NBA icon Gary Payton admitted to his mistakes and putting pressure on his son. There is always some scrutiny on the second generation of NBA players. Even the audience sometimes is puzzled on how to actually compare the legacy of the two separate players. It’s even true in the case of Gary Payton II.

The current Warriors star’s career in the league is totally different from his father’s. But there are a few similarities. Both played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers teams, but the most important stat is that they are the fifth father-son duo to win NBA championships as players. Now we know, let’s break down their league journey and stats.

Gary Payton vs Payton II had an indifferent NBA journey

Let’s start with the 56-year-old first. He was the second overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, where he spent his first 12½ seasons. His first two seasons’ average was ordinary with 8.2 points per game, but after that, he truly established himself as one of the finest point guards. Along with Shawn Kemp, formed the iconic “Sonic Boom” and earned his first of 9 consecutive All-NBA team selections.

In 1996, he earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and, in doing so, became the first point guard to win the award. It was also the year when the Sonics under coach George Karl reached the NBA Finals after winning a franchise record 64 games. Ultimately, it came short of the juggernaut of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. However, the title was in his fate, and he achieved it with the Miami Heat in 2006. It was The Glove’s only championship in his historic career.

He played 17 seasons and averaged 16.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. Gary Payton missed only 25 games, and at one point held the longest active streak for consecutive games played, with 356; the streak ended in January 2001. His defensive skills, consistent scoring ability, and being a starter throughout his career his what made him stand out. That’s what is different about his son’s journey.

The difference starts in the draft itself, where Gary Payton was the #2 overall pick, his son was undrafted. Later, he chose the G-League way to earn his way in the pro league. That continued from 2016 until 2021, between different NBA teams and their G-League affiliates. It was his breakout year as he won the 2021 NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year. This helped him earn his contract with the Warriors for the first time.

In 2021-22, he played the most games of his career, 71 during the regular season. During the NBA finals, in Game 5 of the Finals, Payton posted 15 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Again in Game 6, he played a major defensive role and thus won his first NBA championship. His career average to date never crossed 8 points per game tally, since he was always a role player.

Gary Payton’s son felt he had finally won his father’s respect

In order to prove to his father, the 32-year-old, early in his career, chose to follow in his footsteps. Choosing the alma mater, Oregon State, because “I love the town of Corvallis and I want to help get the program back to where it was.” It was always going to be a bold decision. Because Gary Payton helped the Beavers reach NCAA tournament appearances in his 4 seasons of collegiate career.

He also ended the program by being their school record holder for points, field goals, three-point field goals, assists, and steals. That’s why in 1996, the Oregon State retired his #20. But his son took the challenge and left his mark. He broke his father’s record of registering a steal in every game; his father had 37, and he had 38. He joined his father, Gary Payton (1987), and Seth Tarver (2010) as Oregon State players to be named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

In his senior career, Gary Payton II became the first two-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. But until recently, their relationship was always strained. During the first-round playoff against the Rockets this year, he was trusted to deliver the performance. Payton II—once an undrafted college guard- finished with a playoff career-high 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting. His overall display also included two go-ahead triples and three steals. That’s the game that brought some relief in their relationship as Gary Payton was in the stands.

“When I was growing up, he always used to talk and say something during the game,” Payton II told Andscape. “Now, he don’t. He just enjoys the game. So, what happened a while ago is now peace of mind for me. I don’t have to worry about him no more yelling and barking. I know I’m doing something right.” The 32-year-old knows the legacy is too big to imitate; after all, his father also earned a place in the NBA 75. But that is not steering him away from practicing hard and giving 100% at every opportunity.