JUST SEVEN MONTHS ago, one of the most important role players on a club desperate to return to its dynastic reign and the son of the legendary Seattle Supersonics' Gary Payton, was preparing to apply for a desk job in the team's video department.
Seven months ago.
Gary Payton II, 30, has had a basketball career full of rejection. He has been cut from teams four times in six years and spent five years toiling in the NBA's G League.
And he'd just been cut again.
Payton knew there was an opening in the Golden State Warriors' video coordination department, so he approached assistant coach Jama Mahlalela.