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[Saba Sports News] After more than two years away from the NBA, a former lottery pick is making his return.
ESPN’s Andrew Lopez reported Thursday that the New Orleans Pelicans have signed veteran guard Elfrid Payton to a non-guaranteed training camp deal.
Still only 30, Payton was the No. 10 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft and previously played for the Pelicans during the 2018-19 season, where he averaged 10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game.
A Louisiana native who starred at Louisiana-Lafayette, Payton last played in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns in 2021-22 and has since competed in Puerto Rico and the NBA G League.
While his career has had ups and downs, Payton is a solid floor general who can compete for the third point guard spot behind Dejounte Murray and Jose Alvarado in New Orleans.