Atlanta Hawks: 3 legends for Skylar Mays to study this offseason

Legends for Atlanta Hawks guard Skylar Mays needs to study No. 1) Gary Payton

As one of the greatest point guards of all time, Gary Payton was not just an offensive threat, he was also so good defensively. It is the two-way play of Payton that set him apart from so many others during his time and almost help lead the Seattle Supersonics to a title.

Payton was only stopped by Michael Jordan, which tells you how good the play of Payton was. The connection that he was able to develop on the offensive end with Shawn Kemp and the other members of his team was so effective.

Defensively he was always taking on the opponent’s best offensive backcourt player. He had the defensive acumen of MacMillan playing alongside him which was helpful for stopping the opposition from getting into their offense.

What Mays needs to learn is how to connect with his teammates at both ends of the court  LAst season Kris Dunn was not on the court despite being one of the best defensive guards in the game today. However, he was such a liability on defense that he was almost unplayable. Mays need to work on playmaking and look at how Payton defended, both individually and with the team.