Elfrid Payton
Birthdate: Feb. 22, 1994 (Gretna, La.)
School: John Ehret (Marrero, La.) Class: 2014 (OFFICIAL) Height: 6'3" Weight: 190 NBA Position: PG NBA Comparison: Rajon Rondo Strengths: Passing, Defense, Rebounding Weaknesses: Shooting |
Scouting Report 1.0 — 05.08.2014 (Joseph Fafinski)
You heard it here first—Elfrid Payton of Louisiana-Lafayette is the most underrated prospect in this entire draft class. He’s something of a Rajon Rondo-type—a guy who can pass, rebound and defend with the best at his position. Payton is just about as pure of a point guard as you’ll find, a guy who takes pride in setting up a teammate much more than connecting on a basket himself. He handles the ball well and at 6’3 he’s got great size for a floor general. Payton scores the majority of his points in the paint. He has a move similar to Wes Matthews of the Trail Blazers in that regard.
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The Ragin’ Cajun’s awareness in rebounding is off the charts. He attempts to snag just about every rebound possible. That trait, coupled with his ability to pass and swipe the ball (he averaged 2.3 steals per clip this season), is the reason his hands are so sought after. Payton has two problems regarding his draft stock: first, he comes from a small school, Louisiana-Lafayette, and some might question his unbelievable numbers (19.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 5.9 APG); and secondly, he can’t shoot, and this includes from the charity stripe. 60.9 percent from the line just doesn't cut it in the NBA.
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His defense, passing and ability to penetrate more than make up for this, but it should be noted. It’s for this reason that we know he’s a point guard in the most classic sense of the position—pass first. The only player in the nation to top 600 points and 200 assists and rebounds each last season, Payton is a surefire first-rounder in my opinion. He’s got the tools and if he finds himself drafted by a team who has their fair share of scorers, forget about it. He may be underrated now but at the professional rank, you’ll know Elfrid Payton’s name.
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