Basketball

The New Orleans Pelicans have made a strategic move ahead of the 2024/25 National Basketball Association (NBA) season by signing veteran guard Elfrid Payton to a training camp deal. This signing adds experience and depth to the Pelicans' roster, particularly in the guard position, where the team has been looking to strengthen its lineup.

Elfrid Payton’s Return to New Orleans

This isn’t Payton’s first stint with the Pelicans. The 30-year-old guard previously played for New Orleans during the 2018/19 NBA season. His return to the team on a training camp deal is seen as an opportunity for him to re-establish himself in the league after spending the past year in the NBA G League.

NBA insider Anthony Slater of ESPN took to the social networking platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to confirm the news of Payton’s return. He posted, “Elfrid Payton has agreed to a training camp deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. Payton, an Ehret graduate and Gretna native, last played in the NBA in 2022. The 30-year-old played one season with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2018/19.”

Elfrid Payton has agreed to a training camp deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, sources tell ESPN.

Payton, an Ehret graduate and Gretna native, last played in the NBA in 2022. The 30-year-old played one season with the Pelicans in 2018-19.

Payton is represented by @_tandemse.

— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) September 19, 2024

This statement highlighted both Payton's ties to the New Orleans area—being a native of Gretna and an Ehret High School graduate—and the familiarity he shares with the Pelicans organization. Bringing Payton back into the fold offers the team a veteran presence, someone who has experience with their system, and a player who can contribute both on and off the court.

Payton's Performance in the NBA G League

Over the past year, Elfrid Payton played for the Indiana Mad Ants in the NBA G League, where he delivered a solid all-around performance. He averaged 11.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 9.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 45.0 percent from the field. Despite his impressive playmaking and defensive stats, his three-point shooting was a noticeable weakness, as he only connected on 23.8 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.

Payton’s ability to control the game as a floor general was on full display in the G League, showcasing his passing and rebounding skills. These are qualities that could greatly benefit the Pelicans, especially considering that Payton started 18 out of the 19 regular-season games he played for the Mad Ants. His leadership and ability to facilitate an offense may give him an edge in earning a roster spot by the end of training camp.

Payton’s Recent NBA Stints

Elfrid Payton last appeared in the NBA during the 2021/22 season with the Phoenix Suns. While his role with the team was more limited, he still contributed in 50 regular-season games, albeit with less production than in earlier stages of his career. He averaged 3.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, while shooting 38.3 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from three-point range.

Although Payton's scoring numbers with the Suns were modest, his defensive abilities and veteran experience make him a valuable asset for any NBA team looking for depth in the guard position. With over 500 NBA regular-season games under his belt, Payton boasts career averages of 10.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. His experience and versatility are likely what appealed to the Pelicans as they gear up for the 2024/25 season.

Elfrid Payton's NBA journey has seen him wear multiple jerseys throughout his career. Originally selected as the 10th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, Payton was immediately traded to the Orlando Magic.

In exchange, the Sixers received Dario Saric, a future first-round pick, and a future second-round pick. Payton spent the early part of his career with Orlando, where he developed a reputation as a skilled passer and defender.

In addition to his time with the Magic and the Pelicans, Payton has also suited up for the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks. While he has played important roles for various teams, his inability to consistently improve his three-point shooting has limited his effectiveness in modern NBA offenses. Despite this, his court vision, rebounding ability for a guard, and defensive acumen have allowed him to carve out a respectable career.

Payton’s journey in the NBA has been one of perseverance and adaptability. With career shooting percentages of 44.7 percent from the field and 28.7 percent from three-point range, Payton’s offensive strengths lie more in his ability to drive to the basket and create for his teammates, rather than his long-range shooting.

The Pelicans' Training Camp Roster

In addition to signing Payton, the New Orleans Pelicans have also brought in guard Izaiah Brockington on a camp deal. As training camp gets underway, the Pelicans are looking to finalize their roster ahead of what promises to be an exciting 2024/25 NBA season.

Interestingly, the Pelicans are holding their training camp in Nashville, Tennessee, rather than their home base in Metairie, Louisiana. The team’s usual practice facility is unavailable due to ongoing reservations, prompting the move to Nashville. This change in location could serve as a fresh start for players like Payton, who are vying for a spot on the final roster.

Elfrid Payton’s potential contribution to the Pelicans goes beyond the stat sheet. As a veteran guard with deep ties to the New Orleans community, Payton brings leadership, experience, and a strong work ethic to the training camp. While he may not be the three-point threat that teams covet in today’s NBA, his defense, playmaking ability, and leadership qualities make him a valuable addition to the Pelicans’ guard rotation.

Should Payton make the final roster, he will likely serve as a backup point guard, providing relief for the Pelicans’ starting guards. His ability to rebound, facilitate the offense, and guard multiple positions could earn him a spot on the team, especially if he impresses during training camp.

Our Final Thoughts

While Elfrid Payton’s signing with the New Orleans Pelicans on a training camp deal might not make headlines like other major trades or free-agent acquisitions, it’s a significant move for the Pelicans. Payton’s experience and versatility could prove to be valuable assets for a team looking to improve upon its performance from the previous season.

The addition of Payton, alongside other camp invitees like Izaiah Brockington, signals that the Pelicans are focused on bolstering their backcourt depth. With training camp set in Nashville and a roster spot on the line, Payton has the opportunity to showcase his skills and earn his place in the Pelicans’ rotation.

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