Former star sees Hornets as ideal fit for ‘small Draymond Green,’ but Warriors remain in the mix

Jeff Teague comments on Gary Payton II

Interestingly, former Boston Celtics player Jeff Teague thinks the latter should be joining the Charlotte Hornets instead of going back to play with the Golden State.

“I can’t see why Gary Payton ain’t picked up yet,” Teague started on his podcast.

“No disrespect, but that’s the kind of people Charlotte should have been picking up.

“Gary Payton. Because Gary Payton is like a small forward. Even though he is that size, he plays like the four, three,” he said.

Jeff Teague makes Draymond Green comparison that changes everything

Teague thinks Payton’s skill set for the Warriors reminds him of teammate Draymond Green. This type of player is exactly what the Hornets currently need to complement their roster.

“He’ll be setting screens and rolling. He is a live threat. He is a small version of Draymond. That’s what I expect going in for Charlotte,” Teague explained.

Payton himself averaged 6.5 points, 1.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 57.4%.

His ability to be a perimeter defender to guard many good players and his ability to be an occasional shooter and dunker would be a great addition for any team, especially the Hornets.

Charlotte’s free agency moves expose glaring weakness that Payton II perfectly solves

The Hornets focused on adding players like Collin Sexton, Pat Connaughton, and Spencer Dinwiddie in free agency, but they need someone who can also play well inside the paint like Payton does.

His championship experience and defensive versatility could make him the perfect missing piece for Charlotte’s playoff aspirations.

However, it is likely that the Hornets will face the competition from the Warriors since they are also interested to retaining Payton for next season.