Gary Payton Quotes

A lot of black guys always ask me, 'Did Larry Bird really play that good?' I said, 'Larry Bird is so good it's frightening.'

I've got to give Larry Bird his due; he was a great player. He knew the game and he was smart.

Since I've been five, people asked me if we're related. It is usually the third question in the line of questions. What's your name? Sue Bird. Oh, what do you do? I play basketball. Are you related to Larry Bird? That's how it goes. I guess it could be worse, though, since he is a legend and all.

I'm sure back in the Greek days or the Roman Empire days, when guys fought in arenas and were fighting lions, people were talking smack. Every era in history has someone talking smack. No way you can have talent and not proclaim your victory.

I think there is so many elements of the culture of basketball that Jordan leads in and has been a leader over the years - from Michael's on court legacy to his work ethic, competitiveness, passion, and leadership.

I'm the best at talking trash I'm also the best at going out there and backing it up.

I love Larry Bird, but I don't agree with him. I love him and respect everything about him. I learned a long time ago, and I've made this statement: Coaches don't lose their expertise and ability to make the calls.

Larry Bird is like a basketball god to me for what he's done for my career.

Tim Duncan is one of the greatest power forwards in the history of our game. Being younger and just watching him play, winning championships, that was always cool to be able to play against him.

I cut to the point. I don't mealy-mouth around about it.

I'll see trash talk and people telling me why they're favorite fighter is going to beat me. It motivates me for sure.

I take a lot of pride in being able to say that what you see is what you get.

I'm a very honest person, and I'm quite emotional for a man. If I want to say something, I'll say it.

I think a lot of people that don't know me would say that I lead by example, which I feel like I do. But at the same time, I'm someone who's always been very up-front with people. I'm gonna get straight to the point.

I don't believe in muckin' about and hiding ambition.

The greatest set shooter ever? Larry Joe Bird. Period. The best coming off screen? Reginald Miller. And the best off the dribble? Steph Curry.

I'm not really a trash-talking sort of guy, so it was fun to explore that.

I really enjoy encountering a celebrity who's like, 'Let's go; you'd better have your A-game on.' You sit down with Madonna, and she's like, 'You'd better have something for me. If you're not ready to dance, I'll eat you up.'

Rankings mean nothing. You have to talk trash.

George Gervin was my childhood idol since I was little. In Oakland I had all his posters on my wall.

Michael Jordan was like basketball Jesus.

Interviewing Michael Jordan is like playing him one on one. If he respects you and especially your media platform and he's amused by your college try, he'll let you get off a shot or two. Then he'll go behind his back, give you a head fake and leave you wondering exactly what he meant by this and that.

You can't have a greater person to emulate your game around than Scottie Pippen.

I didn't grow up admiring anybody but George Gervin, and I didn't get a chance to play against him. That would've been one of my lifetime accomplishments. I probably would've went crazy if I played against him, because he's like a father to me now.

I've always been a person that has said what's on my mind and stand behind it with a lot of heart and passion.