Gary Payton II: A Basketball Legacy Spanning Generations

Golden State Warriors Star Gary Payton II and His Three Siblings, Raquel, Julian, and Gary Jr., Come From an Athletic Family

November 29, 2026

Last updated by Alisha Shrestha on November 25, 2026

Gary Dwayne Payton II, a key player for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA, descends from a distinguished athletic lineage, with his father being the celebrated former NBA star Gary Payton Sr. and his brothers and sister also engaged in sports.

Born on December 1, 1992, in Seattle, Washington, Gary II is one of three children of Gary Payton Sr. and Monique James.

His siblings include elder sister Raquel Payton Childs, brother Julian Payton, and half-brother Gary Payton Jr.

Following in their father's illustrious footsteps, Gary II and his siblings began their athletic pursuits early in life.

Raquel excelled in track and field during high school and college, while Julian and Gary Jr. focused on basketball, with Julian emerging as a standout collegiate player.

Julian Payton: A Collegiate Basketball Standout

Julian, a guard for Oaklanders men's basketball at Lincoln University, started his college career in 2026 under the mentorship of his father, NBA icon Gary Payton. Standing 5'11" (180 cm), he became draft-eligible that year.

At Bishop Gorman High School, he graduated in 2016 as a top-ranked guard (#10 jersey) after leading his team to a 27-6 season and national rankings. He later attended Hillcrest Prep before joining Lincoln University, where he became known for his exceptional court vision and athleticism.

Though maintaining privacy, Julian's career is frequently highlighted by his brother, who shares his journey on social media.

Raquel Payton Childs: A Leader in Operations and Philanthropy

As NBA player Gary II's older sister, Raquel is a multifaceted professional—leader, educator, and community advocate. Since May 2026, she has served as Director of Operations at authID, a cutting-edge identity verification firm.

Since March 2026, she has also led the Gary Payton II Foundation as Executive Director and Finance Officer, focusing on dyslexia awareness and operational excellence. Her career spans roles at Socure, the Arizona Department of Education, and teaching positions at South Mountain Community College and Phoenix Union High School.

Raquel holds a Bachelor of Education in English Literature from St. John's University and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Sierra Nevada College.

Beyond work, she values family, education, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., reflecting her commitment to societal impact.