"Stockton was the guy I really, really respected. I respect him to this day" - GP pays John the ultimate compliment
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Gary Payton respects John Stockton more than any of the players he faced in his career. Known as an all-time competitor in his own right, Payton’s matchups with Stockton left a lasting impression on the Seattle Supersonics legend.
When speaking with the Players Tribune, GP praised John and even revealed Stock’s jersey is the most prized possession in his collection.
“Everybody always asks me who is the toughest guy I ever had to guard, and I always say John Stockton. His jersey is my most prized possession right here. I got him right next to J-Kidd and next to Karl Malone. Stockton was the guy I really, really respected. I respect him to this day, and I asked him and George Gervin to induct me into the Hall-of-Fame, which they did. It was an honor for me,” Gary said.
Payton’s toughest opponent
The Hall of Famer faced off against the likes of Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing, and Isiah Thomas, just to name a few, but none of them compare to Stockton – who “The Glove” has admitted was the toughest matchup of his career.
GP was impressed by more than just the production; he was also amazed by the intelligence, feel for the game, and uncanny ability to elevate his teammates.
Payton saw himself in Stockton, as a floor general who loved to do the dirty work, play the game the right way, and let his game do most of the trash-talking.
Their battles
The duo met an incredible 60 times during their careers, split between 49 in the regular season and 21 times in the postseason. Stockton edged their battles from a team perspective, coming away victorious on 38 occasions, including an 11-10 advantage in the playoffs.
Notwithstanding, it was Payton who boasted the more impressive individual numbers, averaging more than John across the board except assists of course – an area in which the Utah Jazz guard was unmatched in league history.
GP and Stock were the epitome of excellence in the backcourt during their primes, which was a precursor to the golden age of point guards that would follow in the next generations. Most of all, there was a mutual respect that both cherished and still talk fondly of to this day.