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10 Questions Sonics' Payton talks about defense, rain and Barney
Posted: Tuesday March 07, 2000 09:25 PM
He's known as "The Glove" for his defensive prowess, but Seattle point guard Gary Payton is also one of the league's most explosive talents. His lightning-quick, slashing moves make him one of the top penetrating points in the league, but he can also hit the J -- he leads the NBA with 150 3-pointers made. Payton recently talked with CNNSI.com about life in Seattle, his recently authored children's book, called "Confidence Counts," and his post-NBA plans.
1. Who is the toughest defender on you? Well, right now, a lot of guys can't play defense because of the rules. A lot of bulkier guys play D, but I can't name anyone in particular. 2. How would you take on a bulkier guy, like J.R. Rider?I'd just face him up and then try to go around him. 3. Kobe credited his talk with you at All-Star Weekend for his improved defense. Have teammates Brent Barry and Vernon Maxwell asked you for advice?Vernon knows how to play defense. Brent just needs to move his feet and do a few other things. He's doing well. Playing with me, he looks at me and plays against me every day in practice. He'll be fine. It's his first year with me. He'll kick on once the years go on. 4. Based on your success with Kobe, would you consider going into coaching? No, I can't deal with nobody [smiles]. I'm just gonna go on out of basketball. I'm just gonna be with my kids. That's about it.
5. You've said you'd like to open a sports bar when you're done. Would you call it "The Glove Shack"? Oh, no [chuckles]. I don't know what I'd call it -- that would be something I'd really have to sit down and think about. 6. What inspired you to write a children's book? They approached me -- they know I deal with kids a lot. We wanted to get a point out about how I grew up, that anybody who grows up in a rough neighborhood and in things that are rough can always get out of the neighborhood and try to be successful. 7. What kids' show have you found yourself getting drawn into with your kids? Barney [laughs]. Always, my little son always watches Barney. 8. Did you take your kids to the Pokémon movie? No, my wife took them. I don't go to movies like that. I don't go to movies at all.9. You idolized George Gervin growing up. Can you finger roll? Oh yeah, I can do that. 10. How do you handle the rain in Seattle: umbrella, hooded slicker...? I just stay in the car and deal with it.
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