Gary Payton II’s smile told the story.
The Trail Blazers guard stood at midcourt with family, friends and members of the Salt Lake Community College community while holding a framed certificate and watching his No. 1 jersey number go up as the first ever retired by the Bruins program.
Adding to the atmosphere, and to Payton’s smile, was the presence of his Blazers teammates, coaches and staff, who occupied a section in the corner of the Lifetime Activities Center. They stood, cheered and chanted, “Gary, Gary, Gary,” during the revealing of the banner.
“It’s huge,” Payton said after the ceremony held during halftime of a Bruins game. “Those guys, since I’ve been here, we have a tight little brotherhood. Those are my guys. They ride for me and I just can’t wait to get on the court and return the favor.”
Speaking of that. Will Payton, who has yet to play this season while recovering from offseason core muscle surgery, be available soon?
“Yeah, I’ll be back, soon,” Payton said with a smile. “Week by week. Check the ticker.”
Given that Payton, signed as a free agent last summer, hasn’t played a minute with his new teammates, the bond that already exists is indicative of the team’s tightness.
“This is the type of chemistry and camaraderie that good teams have,” Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said. “All of these guys were the best player from where they came from. So, it’s an honor to support him. It’s an off day for us and his family is here. I think it’s great.”
The Blazers are in Utah to play the Jazz at 6 p.m., Saturday. They had two days off after losing at the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night. They practiced briefly shortly after arriving in Salt Lake City Friday afternoon then headed to the SLCC.
“Everybody has their own journey,” Billups said. “I’m pretty sure when he first came here he probably imagined he would be somewhere else. It’s funny how things happen.”
Payton, the son of NBA legend Gary Payton, attended SLCC in order to get his grades up in order to qualify for a Division I scholarship. While doing so, he helped lead the Bruins to two successful seasons before moving on to Oregon State.
Even though his play at SLCC propelled him to the Pac-12, Payton said he was shocked to be so revered.
“I honestly didn’t think I was playing that well here when I was here,” Payton said. “To be put in the rafters, it was as dope experience.”
-- Aaron Fentress reported from Salt Lake City, Utah.
-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook). Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts
Ad Choices