Elfrid Payton Joins New Orleans Pelicans on Training Camp Deal
The New Orleans Pelicans have bolstered their roster by signing seasoned guard Elfrid Payton to a training camp deal, adding a blend of experience and local familiarity to their backcourt. Payton, a 30-year-old veteran, hails from the New Orleans area, marking a potential homecoming as he returns to the Pelicans after a notable previous stint.
Payton last graced the NBA courts during the 2021-22 season with the Phoenix Suns. Since then, he showcased his skills in the G-League with the Indiana Mad Ants. His professional journey has been marked by various stints, but perhaps one of the most memorable was his 2018-19 season with the Pelicans, where he posted career highs in assists (7.6 per game) and rebounds (5.2 per game), while also averaging 10.6 points per game. Remarkably, Payton recorded consecutive triple-doubles during a late-season stretch with the Pelicans that year, underscoring his capability to impact the game on multiple fronts.
Payton's deep roots in the area extend beyond his professional career. He played his college basketball at the University of Louisiana, located just two hours west of New Orleans. This local connection adds a layer of intrigue and narrative to his signing, as he returns to familiar territory both geographically and within the Pelicans organization.
This training camp deal comes at a time when the Pelicans are conducting their training camp in Nashville, a temporary relocation due to ongoing renovations at their practice facility in Metairie, Louisiana. This unique circumstance has not deterred the team's dedicated preparation for the forthcoming season, as they aim to seamlessly blend the experience of veterans like Payton with the youthful energy of emerging talents.
Payton’s addition was facilitated by his agents at Tandem Sports + Entertainment, emphasizing the professional approach and strategic planning behind this move. For the Pelicans, integrating a player of Payton’s experience and local roots could serve as a stabilizing factor amid the team’s developmental ambitions.
As the new season approaches, the Pelicans' management evidently views the inclusion of Payton as a strategic enhancement, fortifying their guard rotation with his extensive experience and playmaking abilities. His familiarity with the Pelicans' system and the city gives him a unique advantage, potentially allowing him to contribute significantly both on and off the court.
Payton’s return to the Pelicans is not just a professional transaction but a narrative-rich return to his roots. As training camp progresses, his performance will be closely watched, with the potential to secure a spot on the regular-season roster and perhaps, rekindle the impactful play that once electrified the Smoothie King Center.