Former Lottery Pick & 8-Year Vet Signs in G League

The No. 10 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, and eight-year veteran of the league is trying to win himself another look with a G League stint. Still just 28, Elfrid Payton wants another shot at the NBA. 

Free-agent guard Elfrid Payton has signed an @nbagleague contract, league sources say. Payton appeared in 50 games last season with the Suns.

More NBA from me: https://t.co/A6ycVmnrjq

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 2, 2023

With the Phoenix Suns last season, Payton only managed to scare up 11 minutes per game over 50 contests, while averaging career-lows in points (3.0), assists (2.0) and rebounds (1.8). Tough to find playing time behind Chris Paul and Cameron Payne. 

But for six consecutive seasons before that, with the Orlando Magic, New Orleans Pelicans and New York Knicks, he averaged no less than 10 points per game, and for five straight seasons posted close to 7.0 assists per night. 

Payton has career marks of 10.1 points, 5.7 assists and 4.0 rebounds. 

He's the 3rd former NBAer to try his hand with a G League contract in the last week, along with  9-year veteran Tony Snell and defensive specialist and 7-year NBA vet Andre Roberson.

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports