Rio Grande Valley's Gary Payton II Named NBA Developme
December 5, 2016 - NBA G League (G League) News Release
NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2016 - Gary Payton II of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers today was named NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played Monday, Nov. 28, through Sunday, Dec. 4.
Payton II (6-3, 190, Oregon State) helped Rio Grande Valley to a 2-0 week behind averages of 33.0 points (second in the league), 10.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.0 steals. On Dec. 1, he had 15 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and three steals in a 103-83 win over the Reno Bighorns. He closed his week on Dec. 3, scoring an NBA D-League season-high 51 points on 20-of-29 shooting to go with 11 rebounds and three assists in a 140-125 victory over the Los Angeles D-Fenders.
Payton II is averaging 16.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals in his first NBA D-League season. He also has four double-doubles in nine games.
Other top performers considered included Erie's TJ Price, Fort Wayne's Travis Leslie, Maine's Demetrius Jackson, Northern Arizona's Derrick Jones Jr., Oklahoma City's Dakari Johnson, Sioux Falls' Briante Weber, Texas' Pierre Jackson and Windy City's Aaron Thomas.
About the NBA Development League The NBA Development League is the NBA's official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league's research and development laboratory. Featuring 22 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2016-17 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2015-16 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league's connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on nbadleague.com.
• Discuss this story on the NBA G League message board...
NBA G League Stories from December 5, 2016
- Legends Pull the Plug on Iowa - Texas Legends
- Legends Pull the Plug on Iowa - Texas Legends
- Rio Grande Valley's Gary Payton II Named NBA Developme - G League
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
