Personally, I've always loved Payton’s game. Looking at the Bucks and the Sonics after the trade, it really makes you wonder. The Sonics and 5 and 1 and making a very nice push toward a playoff spot with Allen leading the way. Meanwhile, the Bucks are taking a nosedive and look like they won't even make it in the horrific east with the resurgence of Orlando. So the question is this - Payton: Leader or Cancer?
Hard to say. The Bucks are a mess. The Sonics are better, and Ray Allen is en fuego. Damn, I wish we'd got him (RA). Sure looks like he's worth whatever we would have had to pay, now. Gary definately destroys weak egos. On the other hand, he's led the sonics to the finals, when teamed with a good big man, in spite of George Karl.
I sure looks like Seattle made a genius trade. I think the Bucks' problem is that they couldn't move Cassell. Now the chemistry is messed up.
I've never thought Payton was a cancer. Most of your "stars" go through fits of disagreement with management, teammates, etc. when having been with a team for a long time. It just happens. They are the vocal leader, and they take that privelege to another level when they are upset. But I would never accuse him of being bad for any team he's played for. Of course, he's only been in Mil. for a few days. Give it time.
No, Payton's not a cancer, but he does dominate the ball (not on a Marbury-Francis level, however) and the lockerroom. Apparently, his absence from Seattle has allowed others to come out of their shells a bit, both in terms of their games and personality. An article in Sunday's paper pointed out as much. As for the Bucks, I only wonder if they have the same problem the Rocks have, i.e. 2 Gs who like to dominate the ball in Cassell & Payton. But I'll admit, I haven't seen 1 Bucks game since the trade, so I'm just pulling things out of the air.
