There is an overwhelming amount of data available to us in the sports world, but successful coaches and managers know that one-on-one meetings with athletes provide insight into a player’s skill set. What are some steps sport organizations can take to create more meaningful conversations between coach and athlete?
“Why does he say he likes me but doesn t talk to me?” is a question that many people ask themselves. There are several reasons why someone may not be talking to you, and the most common reason is because they don’t like you.
Gary Payton had a tremendous chance in just his second NBA game. Payton’s Seattle SuperSonics hosted Isiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons, providing GP the opportunity to play against one of the game’s all-time great point guards. The Glove, on the other hand, was unconcerned about giving Zeke any respect during their first encounter.
Payton is now widely considered as one of the best trash-talkers in NBA history. As Thomas previously indicated, GP has worked for that label from the beginning of his career.
In his second-ever NBA game, Gary Payton yelled at Pistons icon Isiah Thomas.
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As he progressed through the ranks, Gary Payton never met Isiah Thomas.
Payton, who was born in Oakland, went on to play at Oregon State. In the 1990 NBA Draft, the Sonics selected him as their point guard of the future with the No. 2 overall choice. Meanwhile, Thomas had already established himself as an all-time great by leading the Pistons to back-to-back NBA championships and dynasty status in 1989 and 1990.
Even yet, Payton seemed unconcerned with Zeke’s gravity or the Pistons’ standing. GP probably realized how Zeke and the “Bad Boys” affected the game, but he still wanted to play. As a result, when he encountered Thomas in just his second game, he went for the Pistons’ superstar straight away.
Payton shouted at Zeke throughout the game, according to Zeke (via The Athletic). Thomas had no idea who Payton was at the time.
“When I catch the basketball, all I hear is (inaudible sound).” I’m sorry, but I can’t repeat what [Payton] said. And I’m gazing at him while clutching the basketball. ‘Is he actually talking to me?’ I wondered as I had to turn back. He was spouting a lot of nonsense.”
–Isiah Thomas on meeting Gary Payton for the first time
Payton’s banter, according to Thomas, really threw him off his game.
When The Glove got the ball and began dribbling, Zeke recounted, he continued running his mouth. Thomas was so taken aback by the rookie’s bravado that he grabbed the ball “just to, like, stare at him.”
Payton had given a great introduction. The numbers also show how much of an effect his trash-talking had on Thomas at the encounter on Nov. 6, 1991.
Thomas was silenced by Payton.
Right to Left: Vince Compagnone/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images and Allsport/Getty Images. Gary Payton (L) and Isiah Thomas (R).
The Glove’s stats from his first meeting with Isiah Thomas and the Pistons aren’t exactly eye-popping. In 31 minutes, he took just eight shots and scored nine points while also throwing out six assists.
GP, on the other hand, made his presence known on the other end of the floor, as is his custom.
Payton contributed to Thomas’s 10-point performance on 3-of-13 shooting. In addition, Zeke had five turnovers, while The Glove had three thefts. The Sonics benefited from their defensive effort as they cruised to victory.
Payton’s performance versus Thomas served as an appetizer for the rest of his career in many ways. After being strangled by a teammate and taught not to meddle with Larry Bird, the boisterous Sonics star went through some growing pains.
However, the nine-time All-Star eventually established himself as one of the finest point guards of the decade, owing to his outstanding defense. Payton’s words were always backed up by his performance on the floor.
The Glove had an illustrious career that culminated in his induction into the Hall of Fame.
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As he established a road to Springfield, Gary Payton became a revered figure in Seattle.
In his NBA career, the Glove was named to nine All-NBA teams and nine All-Defensive teams. He was named Defensive Player of the Year in 1995-96 and led the Sonics to the NBA Finals in the same year.
Despite Michael Jordan’s claim that GP was “no issue,” Payton’s constant attempts led to MJ’s lowest field-goal % in a Finals series. John Stockton, according to the Glove, was more difficult to defend than Jordan.
While Payton’s rhetoric was backed up with big-time play, he had to wait a long time to add the crown jewel to his NBA career. That came in 2006, when he was a member of the Miami Heat. Payton produced an offensive play that turned the 2006 Finals around, as his baseline jumper with nine seconds remaining gave the Heat life in a series they had lost two games to none.
Payton’s attitude and ability contributed to his being one of the finest point guards in NBA history. The same can be true for his fierce competitiveness, which Isiah Thomas picked up on right away.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics.
Gary Payton played with Shaquille O’Neal but believes Hakeem Olajuwon is a ‘Way Better’ Center: ‘Dream would give him 30 or 40 whenever he wanted.’
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If a guy is talking to you and he seems interested, then he’s probably talking to you. If he doesn’t seem interested, then it may be that he’s not talking to you. Reference: how to know if a guy likes talking to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if he wants to talk to you?
A: He will usually send out a message on their tag.
Would a guy text you if he wasnt interested?
A: I am not sure. It is possible that he would text you back to try and avoid being ignored, but its also possible he wouldnt care enough about the phone call or conversation to text you back. Either way, be patient with him if the answer doesnt come quickly!
Do guys make excuses to talk to you?
A: I have no idea what you are talking about.
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