Payton looks back at illustrious career, gives inspiration to young ballers
Manila, Philippines — Daily Fantasy, the Philippines’ first officially licensed fantasy sports provider, treated Filipino basketball fans with an exclusive panel with 2006 NBA champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Gary Payton alongside event host, radio DJ and podcast presenter Tin Gamboa, former professional player Jared Dillinger, and resident fantasy basketball expert Papi Roi.
A nine-time NBA All-Star and nine-time All-Defensive First Team member with a career spanning 17 seasons, Payton shared stories from his decorated career, including his unforgettable “Welcome to the NBA” moment against Michael Jordan, and offered timeless pieces of advice for today’s youth.
“If you think you’ve learned everything you could learn in any field, you should hang up your shoes,” Payton said, echoing lessons from his college coach at Oregon State, the great Ralph Miller.
He also gave some advice to aspiring basketball players, saying, “I am never against learning anything, whether in business, in life, or in basketball. Kids have to understand there will always be someone greater. Work hard, keep learning, and soak up all the knowledge you can to become the best person you can be.”
To celebrate his visit, Payton also drafted his ultimate five-man Daily Fantasy lineup, picking Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton as point guard for his playmaking ability, Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards as guard for his shooting prowess, L.A. Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard at small forward, praising his two-way dominance and game-changing defense, Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis at power forward commending his point making skills and defense, and Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić at center for his rebounding, passing, and MVP-caliber impact.
During the interview, Payton also tried the local treat, halo-halo, and posed with Daily Fantasy’s honor players during a special meet-and-greet session.
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