The New Orleans Pelicans are off to an up and down start and they will be without starting point guard, Elfrid Payton for the fifth straight game per Pelicans PR. Payton was showing positive signs in the first five games of the season, but an ankle sprain has hobbled him in his first season with New Orleans.
Payton is averaging 11.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. He's been impacting games in a variety of ways and New Orleans has lost all four games he's missed so far this season.
Elfrid Payton is on a one-year deal and he's hoping he can prove himself after he's failed to live up to expectations early in his career. He was drafted 10th overall by the Orlando Magic and he failed to establish himself as a consistent contributor. The Magic dealt Payton to the Phoenix Suns midseason last year. New Orleans is the third team taking a shot on the top-10 pick.
In addition to Payton, the Pelicans have had to play without Anthony Davis for three games. The Pelicans feature new faces like Payton and Julius Randle, but they have yet to have the continuity needed to establish chemistry. They are staying afloat despite the injuries, but they could be poised for a hot streak as soon as they get fully healthy.
Injuries are the biggest reason for their slow start to the season. The Pelicans have playoff aspirations, but they need to get healthy before they can think about that.
Follow Us
Subscribe