Former NBA lottery pick looking to capitalize on second chance

Injuries have been a recurring theme early in the NBA season, leading to roster struggles for several teams. While these absences have posed challenges, they have also created opportunities for lesser-known players to step into the spotlight. 

One such player is veteran guard Elfrid Payton, who has made a notable return to the league.

With the New Orleans Pelicans grappling with a series of injuries, the team looked to the G League for potential reinforcements. The Pelicans eventually called up Payton, the No. 10 overall pick in 2014, from the Indiana Pacers' affiliate, the Mad Ants.

After a two-year absence from the NBA, the veteran guard showed little sign of rust in his debut on Nov. 20. In a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he contributed 11 points, eight assists and five rebounds on efficient 5-of-8 shooting. 

After a pedestrian four points, four assists and three steals in his second outing of the season, his next game turned heads. In a standout performance, he posted 14 points, 21 assists, seven rebounds and two steals against the Indiana Pacers. 

His 21 assists set a then season high for any player, showcasing his elite playmaking ability. Despite ongoing concerns about his shooting consistency, Payton’s vision on the court and defensive tenacity indicated that he could still have a meaningful role in the NBA moving forward.

Since then, the seasoned playmaker's minutes and production have cooled with the return of CJ McCollum to the Pelicans' starting lineup. However, the 6-foot-3 point guard remains an important contributor when needed, as seen in a recent game on Dec. 1, where he tallied six points, seven assists, one steal and two blocks.

Through seven games, Payton is averaging 6.7 points, 6.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 50 percent from the field. His 48 assists rank 11th among NBA guards and 15th overall, during that stretch.

The 30-year-old's NBA journey has been marked by several stops. After the Sixers used the 10th pick on Payton in 2014, he was traded to the Magic. After four years in Orlando, Payton bounced around a bit, spending time with the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks and Pelicans. 

Despite spending much of his career as a starter, Payton transitioned to a bench role during the 2021-22 season, where his playing time dwindled to just 11 minutes per game. This reduced role ultimately led to his exit from the NBA in 2022.

Over 500 career games, he had been a steady contributor, averaging 10.0 points, 5.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per contest. 

However, his "old-fashioned" point guard skillset—emphasizing playmaking over shooting—limited his appeal in a league increasingly favoring guards who can stretch the floor.

In an effort to revive his career, Payton turned to the G League and Puerto Rico’s professional circuit. During the latter half of the 2022-23 G League season with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, he managed averages of 7.9 points and six assists but struggled to recapture the promise he once showed in the NBA.

Undeterred, the former lottery pick returned to the Mad Ants for the 2023-24 campaign, where he showed improvement. His performance, highlighted by 12.5 points and 9.8 assists per game, attracted interest from the Pelicans. 

The team signed him to a training camp deal in the offseason but waived him before the season began.

When injuries depleted the Pelicans’ roster, Payton was ready to step in. His veteran presence and familiarity with the franchise provided an immediate solution, demonstrating the value of keeping experienced talent close at hand.

Payton's current contract with the Pelicans is a one-year, non-guaranteed deal worth the veteran minimum. It will become fully guaranteed on Jan. 10, giving the team just over a month to assess his impact before deciding on his future with the franchise.