The New Orleans Pelicans have no shortage of offseason decisions to make. Today, we’re going to dive into Elfrid Payton’s expiring contract. Should the team bring back the hometown point guard, or should they let him walk in free agency?
Elfrid Payton had an up-and-down campaign for the New Orleans Pelicans this season. He managed to appear in just 42 games, having endured his second consecutive season marred by injuries. However, when healthy, Payton exceeded expectations and put together a string of games for the record books.
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Elfrid Payton’s memorable week
From March 10th through March 18th, Payton went on an absolute tear. In a span of five games, he averaged: 15.6 points, 12.8 assists, and 11.8 rebounds per contest, recording a triple-double in each game. However, his increase in productivity did not result in victories for the Pels. They won just one out of the five games that Payton recorded a triple-double in. It’s also noteworthy that the team allowed 128.6 points per game during that span, which makes it incredibly difficult for any type of historic performance to compensate for.
Level of play indicates a larger contract
Elfrid Payton came to town with a measly 3 million dollar price tag for the 2018-2019 season. And for his steady play, he was well worth the investment. But his historic run provided perspective for a multitude of organizations around the league that could use Payton’s services. He’s, at worst, one of the stronger backup point guards in the league; a guy you can trust that will give you solid productivity when called upon.
He can also be implemented into an extended role and succeed in that aspect as well. By all accounts, he’s earned a heftier contract, let’s just hope that his representation and the Pelicans front office can find a mutual understanding on his salary. It appears promising that Payton will re-sign with the Pels, as he’s made it apparent that he enjoys playing in New Orleans.
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Giving how invested David Griffin—the newly anointed VP of Basketball Operations— and team owner Gayle Benson are in providing the best product for the fans, those aforementioned expectations Payton spoke on are likely to strengthen his case for being brought back. As Andrew Lopez of NOLA.com also illustrated, Payton would definitely be open to a return to the roster.
"“It was great playing in front of family and friends,” Payton said. “It was great being home. I really didn’t have any expectations for it coming in. It was amazing, honestly. I think everyone should try it if they have the chance to play at home. I would definitely want to be back, given the opportunity.”"
For the season, Elfrid Payton averaged 10.6 points, 7.6 assists (career-high), and 5.2 rebounds on 43% from the field. His shooting ability still needs work, and he and the rest of the team need to improve their defensive intensity, but he’s been a great fit on this roster. And still, at the youthful age of 24 years-old, there’s still time for his game to mature. Would you like to see Payton return to the New Orleans Pelicans? Let us know in the comments below!