Why Gary Payton II is the perfect free agent for the Dallas Mavericks

Why Gary Payton II is the perfect free agent for Dallas Mavericks: 3. Versatility

Payton II is not a point guard or a volume shooter. The 6’3 guard did make 35.8 percent of his 120 3-point attempts this season for the Warriors, but he is a career 32.0 percent shooter. His offensive game is not going to wow fans, but The Mitten is a smart player that brings versatility to the floor.

Payton II is going to get out in transition and get his team a few easy buckets. He leaks out after misses and runs the floor hard after every turnover. It resulted in Payton II throwing down 55 dunks during the regular season, which would have finished second on the Mavericks behind Dwight Powell.

The son of a Hall of Famer is always a brilliant cutter that would get Dallas some easy baskets that way. According to NBA Stats, the Mavericks finished 27th in cuts per game at 6.4. Adding Payton II could result in a few easy baskets each night as he just finds his way to the rim unguarded.

Gary Payton is comfortable being a spot-up shooter on the offensive end of the floor. He is not going to command the ball, and the 6’3 guard will shine in his role. The Dallas Mavericks need a few more rotation options if they plan on making another deep playoff run in 2023.