CP3 Excludes DWade: Gary Payton's Elite NBA Starting 5 - True Or Not?

The world of basketball is filled with legendary players, and the debate about the greatest starting five of all time is a popular topic among fans. When it comes to this discussion, one name that often comes up is Gary Payton, also known as "The Glove." Payton, a Hall of Fame point guard, played for the Seattle SuperSonics and Milwaukee Bucks from 1990 to 2007. He was known for his tenacious defense, exceptional passing ability, and clutch shooting. While opinions about the best starting five in NBA history vary, one common theme emerges when discussing Payton's teammates: players like Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, and Tim Duncan. However, some argue that these players were not part of Payton's ideal starting five. In this article, we will examine the validity of this claim and discuss why Gary Payton's starting five is an elite unit.

The Original Seattle SuperSonics

Payton's time with the Seattle SuperSonics, from 1990 to 1998, was one of the most successful periods in franchise history. During this time, the Sonics formed a starting five that would go on to become one of the most feared and respected in the league. The team's starting lineup consisted of:

• Gary Payton (PG)
• Detlef Schrempf (SF)
• Shawn Kemp (PF)
• Nate McMillan (C)
• Fred Brown (SG)

This lineup showcased a great balance of defense, offense, and rebounding, making it a formidable opponent on any given night.

Key Attributes of the Starting Five

The Seattle SuperSonics' starting five was built around several key attributes that made it so effective.

Athleticism and Rebounding

• Shawn Kemp, a dominant power forward, was known for his incredible athleticism and rebounding ability. He averaged 16.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game during his time with the Sonics.
• Detlef Schrempf, a versatile small forward, brought a unique combination of shooting and rebounding skills to the table. He averaged 11.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game during his time with the Sonics.
• Nate McMillan, a talented center, provided a strong defensive presence and rebounding ability. He averaged 8.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game during his time with the Sonics.

Scoring and Playmaking

• Gary Payton, the team's point guard, was an exceptional playmaker and scorer. He averaged 18.3 points and 10.5 assists per game during his time with the Sonics.
• Fred Brown, the team's shooting guard, brought a scoring punch off the bench. He averaged 14.3 points per game during his time with the Sonics.

Payton's Ideal Starting Five

So, who were the players that Gary Payton considered part of his ideal starting five? Based on various interviews and sources, it appears that Payton's starting five would have looked like this:

• Gary Payton (PG)
• Spencer Haywood (SF)
• Sidney Moncrief (SF)
• Fred Brown (SG)
• Jack Sikma (C)

This lineup brings together some of the most talented players in Payton's era, with a great balance of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking.

The Case for Spencer Haywood and Sidney Moncrief

• Spencer Haywood, a dominant power forward, was a key contributor to the Sonics' success during the 1970s and 1980s. He averaged 19.3 points and 10.6 rebounds per game during his time with the Sonics.
• Sidney Moncrief, a versatile small forward, brought a unique combination of scoring and defensive skills to the table. He averaged 18.4 points and 4.6 assists per game during his time with the Sonics.

Debunking the "CP3 Excludes DWade" Claim

Some fans claim that Dwyane Wade was not part of Gary Payton's ideal starting five, citing Wade's relatively short time with the Sonics. However, Wade was indeed a member of the Sonics from 1996 to 1999, and his playing style and skills made him a great fit for Payton's offense.

Wade's Impact on the Sonics

• Wade, a dynamic point guard, brought a new level of energy and athleticism to the Sonics. He averaged 16.4 points and 6.5 assists per game during his time with the Sonics.
• Wade's playing style, which emphasized speed and agility, complemented Payton's more methodical approach perfectly. The two players formed a formidable backcourt that opponents struggled to contain.

Conclusion

Gary Payton's starting five is an elite unit that showcases the talents of some of the greatest players in NBA history. While some fans may argue that players like Dwyane Wade were not part of Payton's ideal starting five, the evidence suggests that Wade was indeed a valuable contributor to the Sonics' success during the 1990s. Ultimately, Payton's starting five is a testament to the greatness of the Seattle SuperSonics, and its impact on the NBA landscape will be felt for generations to come.