The New Orleans Pelicans have made a strategic addition to their roster by signing seasoned guard Elfrid Payton to a training camp deal. Payton, who brings a wealth of experience and local familiarity, is expected to add depth and expertise to the Pelicans as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Homecoming for Payton
Elfrid Payton, 30, is a native from the New Orleans area, making this move not just a professional opportunity but a personal homecoming. Payton, who played college basketball at the University of Louisiana, located just two hours west of New Orleans, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to familiar grounds and contributing once again to the Pelicans.
Professional Journey
Payton last showcased his skills in the NBA during the 2021-22 season with the Phoenix Suns. Since then, he’s been honing his craft and maintaining his form with the G-League's Indiana Mad Ants. The guard's NBA tenure includes a notable stint with the Pelicans during the 2018-19 season, where he made significant contributions to the team's performance.
Impressive Past with the Pelicans
During the 2018-19 season with the Pelicans, Payton averaged 10.6 points per game and recorded career highs in assists (7.6 per game) and rebounds (5.2 per game). He also achieved an impressive feat of consecutive triple-doubles during a late-season stretch, demonstrating his ability to impact various facets of the game. This performance undoubtedly left a positive impression on the Pelicans' management, influencing their decision to bring him back for another opportunity.
Training Camp and Facility Renovations
As the Pelicans gear up for the new season, they are conducting their training camp in Nashville. This temporary relocation is due to ongoing renovations at their practice facility in Metairie, Louisiana. The team is looking to blend experience with youth, and Payton’s addition is seen as a crucial step in this direction.
Contract Negotiations
Payton’s return to the Pelicans was facilitated by his agents at Tandem Sports + Entertainment. The terms of the training camp deal reflect a mutual interest in seeing the seasoned guard contribute his skills and leadership to the team.
The Pelicans are aiming to strike a balance between seasoned veterans and young talent, hoping to create a cohesive and formidable unit for the forthcoming season. With Payton’s track record and local roots, his signing is a strategic move that could offer significant benefits both on and off the court. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how Payton integrates with the team and re-establishes himself in the NBA with his home crowd cheering him on.