Gary Payton & The Nike Zoom GP II

Gary Payton & The Nike Zoom GP II

The Nike GP II is the second signature sneaker in Gary Payton’s line of Nike sneakers. In 2000, the shoe was released. Learn more about the Nike GP II below.

GP II

The GP II continued to push sneaker technology forward. It has a lightweight synthetic leather upper. The collar utilized PU foam, for a snug and comfortable fit around the an-kle.

There are Zoom Air units in both the forefront and heel. It allows for impact protection when you are making a quick move on the court. That design was perfect for the game of Gary Payton. It is a sleeker basketball shoe, which was something Nike was pivoting to in 2000.

Supersonic

The Seattle Supersonics, which is now a defunct franchise, picked Payton with the sec-ond overall pick. He quickly made an impact on the Supersonics franchise and team with Shawn Kemp to create one of the best all-time duos. Shawn Kemp was a highflyer whose dunks consistently made the highlight reels. Payton was usually the one lobbing the ball to Kemp for one of his breathtaking jams.

The Sonics peaked with Payton and Kemp when they met the Chicago Bulls in the 1996 NBA Finals. The young Sonics were a worthy opponent, but in the end, Michael Jordan was able to lead Chicago to victory. The Bulls won 72 games in the 1995-1996 season. Winning the series against Seattle cemented them as one of the best ever.

NBA Champion

The Glove eventually left the Sonics after a successful run. Unfortunately, he never won the NBA Championship for Seattle. GP got his first and only NBA Title with the Miami

Heat in 2006. He also played for the basketball teams the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Ange-les Lakers, and Boston Celtics in his career.

Legacy

Payton is a one of a kind baller. Known as one of the toughest guards to ever play, he is one of the few point guards to ever win DPOY. His trash talk and big personality on the court got him a lot of attention.

But Payton is a legit all-time great. He is a multiple time all-star, Olympic Gold Medalist and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.