Feb 1, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Gary Payton II (20) grabs the looks ball as Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks on during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
With a glaring need for defensive energy out on the perimeter, the Portland Trail Blazers would be wise to consider a low-risk, high-reward move in signing Gary Payton II.
Some two decades ago, the Pacific Northwest was among the places to be in the NBA. Perhaps this sounds familiar: an Oakland-born point guard took on the onus of putting the region on his back, racking up accolade after accolade, all the while perennially keeping his team in contention.