Hall of famer Gary Payton is working with the Timberwolves' guards
The Timberwolves have some of the best young pieces of any rebuilding team in the NBA. Something the Wolves got right in their rebuild, as well, was something the 76ers have arguably messed up: Bringing in the right veterans.
Minnesota isn't just improving with its young kids like Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. It's also using long-time NBA contributors to help them on and off the court. Andre Miller, Kevin Garnett and Tayshaun Prince are all likely more valuable to the team than they appear from the outside. That was a major point of emphasis for the Timberwolves' front office this summer.
Now, the Wolves are bringing in another former great, not to play, but to help as a mentor and teacher. From Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press:
There are few guys who have better résumés than Payton when it comes to working with guards. Payton averaged more than 20 points per game seven times throughout his career. He put up a nine-year prime (from 1994 to 2003) in which he averaged 21.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.6 rebounds while solidifying a deserved reputation as the NBA's best defensive point guard.
If Payton can transfer just a little wisdom to a guy like Zach LaVine, whose basketball smarts haven't developed as quickly as his skills, this could be a major success for the Wolves. If not, then whatever. Everyone still gets to meet with Gary Payton, which is a pretty cool consolation.
Hall of fame point guard Gary Payton visited Timberwolves practice Friday -- the first of a few planned trips this season.
His pupils were Wolves point guards Ricky Rubio, Zach LaVine and Tyus Jones.
"I'm a big fan of his game and can learn a lot of things," Rubio said Saturday.
The trip was inspired by LaVine, who grew up in Bothell, Wash., looking up to Payton. Wolves general manager Milt Newton is friends with Payton and made the trip happen.
Payton, nicknamed "The Glove," was a nine-time all-star during his 17-year career mainly spent with the Seattle SuperSonics.
Wolves coach Sam Mitchell said Payton's message won't be much different than any assistant can offer. But a new voice can be helpful.
"All of you who have kids, do your kids listen to you all of the time?" Mitchell asked. "I was a professional athlete for 20 years. I've had the best trainers in the world, but when my daughters were playing volleyball, I had a gym in my house, and I couldn't get them to go downstairs in the gym with me.
"But I could pay a trainer $100 bucks an hour, and they would do everything he said," Mitchell continued. "I'm sitting there laughing. It's the same thing I was going to show you."
