MIAMI — Damian Lillard’s tale is not unique: a long-time NBA veteran point guard from Oakland pursuing an NBA title with the Miami Heat while nearing the twilight of his career in his 30s.
Payton, now a coach on the halfcourt Big3 circuit, returned to Miami on Sunday as part of the league’s tour, working the officials at Kaseya Center with the same zeal as before and during the Heat’s championship season in 2005-06.
And, as with Lillard, Payton fully supports Lillard’s wish to relocate to South Florida.
“It’s the same thing for me,” Payton said after coaching his squad Sunday. “Dame’s father and I grew up together in Oakland. We all share the same mentality. And I share the same agency as Dame. Dame would be an excellent fit here. “He and I both know it.”
The comparisons to Lillard are clear.
Payton, who now coaches on the halfcourt Big3 circuit, came to Miami on Sunday as part of the league’s tour, working the officials at Kaseya Center with the same intensity he had before and during the Heat’s championship season in 2005-06.
And, like Lillard, Payton totally supports Lillard’s decision to go to South Florida.
“It’s the same for me,” Payton said after coaching his team Sunday. “Dame’s father and I grew up in Oakland.” We all have the same thinking. And I have the same agency as Dame. “Dame would be a great match here.”He and I both know this.”
The analogies to Lillard are obvious.
Payton, who now coaches on the halfcourt Big3 circuit, visited Miami on Sunday as part of the league’s tour, working the officials at Kaseya Center with the same intensity he had before and during the Heat’s championship season in 2005-06.
And, like Lillard, Payton fully supports his decision to attend South Florida.
“It’s the same for me,” Payton explained after coaching his squad on Sunday. “Dame’s father and I grew up in Oakland.” We all share the same perspective. And I have the same agency as Dame.”Dame would be an excellent fit here.”He and I both understand this.”
The comparisons to Lillard are clear.
Dame,” Payton explained, “had to make a decision: Do I want to keep doing what I’m doing, or do I want to attempt to win a championship? That is exactly what he wants to accomplish right now. It’s just time for him to make a decision about where he wants to go.”
Payton was coached by Pat Riley, who is currently only the Heat’s president. Erik Spoelstra worked in the team’s video department when Payton played for the Heat; he is currently the coach. Payton played alongside Dwyane Wade, who later recruited current Heat star Jimmy Butler.
