Destiny sometimes does things well. Elfrid Payton would perhaps never have ended up with the Pelicans six years after his previous stint in Louisiana if Willie Green had not embraced a coaching career. The two got to know each other 10 years ago in Orlando. The first began his career in the NBA, the second finished his, and was thus marked by the qualities of his young teammate. Ten years later, Willie Green is now a coach while Elfrid Payton seeks to revive his NBA career. The coach has not forgotten the player he discovered at that time.
“He’s been a leader from the beginning, and he still is. He learned things very quickly. He played with his toughness, he involved his teammates. He is also a very good defender. He has a lot of a future coach in him”, thus slipped Willie Green about the thirty-year-old playmaker, vying for the position of third point guard behind Dejounte Murray and Jose Alvarado.
Seven passes in 12 minutes for his recovery
The relationship forged at the time was an invaluable boost for Elfrid Payton who had not played in the NBA for two years, and had to go through the G-League last season to get back to health and show that he always had the level. His first preseason match against Miami was like a deliverance with 12 minutes of play which allowed him to distribute 7 assists. Obviously, the leader was also invited to discuss this specificity.
“I didn’t think he would become a coach, but on the one hand I’m not surprised, so to speak,” for his part confided Elfrid Payton. “A lot of guys on the team didn’t know we played together.”
A mature team?
Since his arrival at the Pelicans, the leader has also been able to see the evolution of the franchise, six years after his first stint. In 2018-2019, he undoubtedly had his best season, including two triple-doubles in a row, six in total out of 46 games played that season. He remains second in this ranking in franchise history, behind Chris Paul. This is also the season where the Pels were in limbo after Anthony Davis' trade request.
Six years later, the Louisiana franchise can be proud of how far it has come. After having progressed linearly in recent seasons, New Orleans would be able to rub shoulders with the big fish in the league this season according to Elfrid Payton.
“Obviously, they're moving forward. They have a lot of good stuff here. I think they will be a threat in the West, that's for sure.”he added. “These guys are really talented. There is a lot of talent on the field. Zion Williamson, everyone knows what he does. Brandon Ingram is really good. CJ McCollum can score from anywhere. Other guys like Jordan Hawkins, Trey Murphy too. There are a lot of guys who can have an impact on winning.”
There will be one last preseason match left for the Pelicans to prepare and for Elfrid Payton to convince this Tuesday on the Houston side.
