Former Lottery Pick Does About-Face, Leaves G League For Puerto Rico

It's a surprising turn of events. It was only a week ago that eight-year veteran, and the No. 10 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Elfrid Payton signed a G League contract. But the 28-year-old has done an about-face, and instead is taking his talents to Puerto Rico. 

#BSNPR | ÚLTIMA HORA: El armador ex-NBA Elfrid Payton es el primer refuerzo de los Osos de Manatí para la temporada 2023 del Baloncesto Superior Nacional. pic.twitter.com/OD1fq9NVHO

— La Guerra del BSN (@LaGuerraBSN) February 6, 2023

Payton has signed for the Osos de Manatí (the Manatee Bears) in the Puerto Rican first division.

After eight seasons in the NBA for the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans and New York Knicks, Payton was left without a job for the 2022-23 season. 

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. 

He was poised to join the G League this month, but obviously prefers this situation in Puerto Rico.

In 500 career games he posted averages of 10.1 points, 4 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.2 steals in 26.8 minutes per contest.

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports