The New Orleans Pelicans are signing Elfrid Payton to help with an injury-plagued roster
The New Orleans Pelicans are bringing back a familiar face by re-signing Elfrid Payton to a 10-day contract. Payton had appeared in seven games for the Pelicans earlier this season, averaging 6.7 points, six assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. After being waived, he was briefly signed to a 10-day contract by the Charlotte Hornets.
A native of the New Orleans area, Payton played college basketball at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette before being drafted by the Orlando Magic in the first round. He had a stint with the Pelicans during the 2018 season, where he made history by becoming one of only four players to record five consecutive triple-doubles at that time.
He later rejoined New Orleans this offseason on a training camp deal before signing a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Pelicans. In November against the Indiana Pacers, Payton set a career-high with 21 assists in a Pelicans road loss. His return highlights the sheer amount of injuries the team has faced this season.
The New Orleans Pelicans have been hit hard by injuries this season, with season-ending injuries to Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III. Star forward Zion Williamson has played fewer than 30 games, and before being traded, Brandon Ingram was sidelined for nearly two months with an ankle injury.
As a result, the Pelicans will miss the playoffs this year after making the postseason in two of the last three seasons. With Ingram now in Toronto, the team’s roster will undergo significant changes moving forward, likely centered around Zion Williamson’s strengths. Currently, New Orleans holds the second-worst record in the Western Conference.
