Gary Payton of the Seattle Supersonics has two nicknames. Other players call him "The Glove" because of his ability to guard opponents as tightly as a glove fits on a hand. Payton's defensive ability earned him the 1995-96 National Basketball Association (NBA) Defensive Player of the Year award. Stopping high-scoring opponents--along with a sweet shooting touch--made the Sonics point guard an all-star and a member of the 1996 gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic men's basketball "Dream Team III." Payton earned his other nickname--"The Mouth"--through his trash-talking (excessive bragging and celebrating) on the court. His high-octane play has made the Supersonics one of the best teams in the NBA.

Growing up

Learns from dad

Gary Payton was born July 23, 1968. His father, Alfred (also called Al), owns a restaurant in Fremont, California, and his mother's name is Annie. Payton grew up in the projects of Oakland, California, until his father...