Gary Payton has never been one to hold back his thoughts, and his latest comments on the NBA’s generational differences are no exception. Speaking on the Knuckleheads Podcast, the Hall of Famer highlighted what he sees as a key contrast between today’s players and those of his era.
“The main thing is, we weren’t all friends back then,” Payton said, via HoopsHype. “We didn’t all go out together, we weren’t on banana boats, we weren’t taking trips together. We hated each other! You know, the West hated the East, and the East hated the West.”
Payton, known for his fierce competitiveness during his playing days, emphasized that rivalries in his era were fueled by genuine animosity. He explained that players rarely interacted outside of games, with the only exception being the All-Star Game. Even then, the relationships remained strictly professional.
“We used to go at each other. We weren’t friends. We didn’t take off our jerseys, hold them up at half court, take pictures together, and swap them. I didn’t care about none of that,” Payton added.
The former Seattle SuperSonics star played in an era dominated by intense, physical battles, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s. He built a reputation as one of the league’s toughest defenders and relentless trash talkers, earning the nickname “The Glove” for his defensive prowess.
By comparison, today’s NBA has seen a shift in player relationships. Many of the league’s biggest stars openly support each other, train together in the offseason, and form friendships that extend beyond the court. Social media has also played a role in fostering these connections, making interactions between rivals more common.
The change in dynamics is evident in the way players handle competition. Jersey swaps, public displays of respect, and postgame embraces are now routine in the modern NBA, contrasting sharply with the cutthroat mentality Payton described from his playing days.
