Elfrid Payton Sr. believes that the New Orleans Pelicans would've qualified for the 2019 playoffs if his son didn't go down with an injury.
Per Marc Berman of the New York Post, Payton Sr. chimed in on his son's series of injuries last season. To recall, the 25-year-old Payton suffered a sprained ankle and a broken middle finger last year. He played 42 games for the Pelicans as the team's starting point guard, averaging 10.6 points, 5.2 rebound and a career-high 7.6 assists.
“I honestly believe if Elfrid doesn’t get hurt and stays healthy, they were making the playoffs,’’ Payton Sr. told The Post.
Despite only playing 42 games, Payton forged himself beside some elite company. Particularly in their 138–136 overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns, Payton logged in 16 points, 13 rebounds and 16 assists — which made him just the fifth player in NBA history to record four consecutive triple-doubles. Two days later, he recorded his fifth consecutive triple-double with 19 points, 11 dimes and 10 boards.
It's hard to counter Payton Sr.'s claims. Since entering the NBA as the 10th overall pick in 2014, his son has proven to be a capable point guard. The series of injuries have definitely hampered his rise to stardom.
Payton will have another chance to showcase his skills while donning the New York Knicks jersey this 2019-2020 season.
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