Chapter 41: Time for Revenge Again

After wrapping up the first round with ease, Gan Guoyang had one last meal with Payton before leaving Seattle.

Payton looked deeply frustrated. Although he knew facing the Trail Blazers in the first round meant there was little hope of winning the series, he still had high hopes for exceptional personal performance in his first playoff appearance.

Back in 1990, when Payton decided to declare for the draft, "Sports Illustrated" dedicated a feature column to him and made him the cover star of that issue.

The article was full of praises for Payton, including an NBA coach's evaluation: "When I think of another player who elevates those around him to such levels, Magic Johnson comes to mind."

Ultimately, Payton entered the league as the second pick, bearing immense expectations, yet his performance in the regular season was mediocre at best.

Once in the playoffs, he performed even worse than in the regular season, averaging only 4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.