Pelicans Bring Back Veteran, Standard Contract Incoming?

Two months later, Payton signed a pair of 10-day contracts with the Charlotte Hornets.

Similar to the Pelicans’ situation, both their starting (LaMelo Ball) and second-string point guard (Tre Mann) were dealing with injuries. However, unlike New Orleans, Charlotte has a couple of playmaking guards on two-way contracts in KJ Simpson and Damion Baugh. The Pelicans’ two-way spots are occupied by forward Jamal Cain, wing Lester Quinones, and forward Keion Brooks Jr., who recently led them to a victory against the Hornets with a career-high 17 points.

In New Orleans’ weekend win, Payton recorded six assists, two steals, and one block in 19 minutes. In the two preceding games, he recorded 24 total assists. As a scorer, he leaves a lot to be desired. Nevertheless, he was a +11 during that stretch because of his pace and playmaking. His performance hearkens back to Nov. 25, when he recorded a career-high 21 assists while playing for the Pelicans.

That being said, it says a lot that they decided to bring Payton back this close to the end of the season. At 21-54, 14th in the West, they could just roll with the players that they already have. Instead, they figured they should keep around a 31-year-old floor general that was out of the league for two seasons.

Standard Contract Incoming?

Why not keep Payton around longer?

At this point it’s clear that he has great on-court chemistry with the Pelicans, whether it’s just his nature or there’s more to it. His career path is also notable because not many players have made it back to the NBA.

In terms of his intangibles, this would only make Payton more humble and serious. Just as important as how that affects the way he approaches his career is how it can rub off on his teammates. Payton’s evidence of both the reality that their career could end prematurely and the possibility that their hard work and perseverance ultimately pays off.

Yes, players may know that in the back of their mind. Nonetheless, being teammates with someone who was in that situation will leave a more firm impact on their psyche. That could be a big-time difference-maker. Just consider, Murray needs to bounce back from an arduous season. Zion Williamson looks like he’s in great shape again but his discipline is still questioned.

Seeing Payton in the locker room might not change anything for them. But then again, it could.