It’s been a cloudy new year for the Phoenix Suns, who have only snagged four victories since the ball dropped in New York and the acorn was lowered in Flagstaff.
At this point in the season, that may not be such a bad thing as the Suns aim their focus on the 2018 NBA Draft and the lottery pick that they will surely be utilizing. As far as I’m concerned, let it rain L’s! I want that #1 overall pick!
The Suns, at least, addressed one of their many deficiencies at last week’s trade deadline when they swapped a second round pick (Memphis’) for point guard Elfrid Payton.
Orlando has traded Elfrid Payton to Phoenix for a second-round pick, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
Payton may not be the team’s point guard of the future as he’ll be a restricted free agent this summer, but for the remainder of this season, he’ll get heavy minutes at the one spot on a roster that is most thin.
On Saturday February 10, in a 123-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Payton played his first game in purple, and he was feeling it. He scored 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting, grabbed six boards, and dropped nine dimes in the contest, dishing out the most assists in a Suns debut since Stephon Marbury recorded 10 back on November 30, 2001, ironically also against the Denver Nuggets and also in a loss.
What a debut from @Elfrid! #SunsAt50 https://t.co/e3G3XV6zWS
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 11, 2018
My biggest takeaway from Elfrid’s first game for the Suns was his efficiency. He shot 61.5% from the field and only fired if he had a good look. There were no forced jumpers and most of his shots were uncontested. Maybe my favorite stat from the night in regard to Payton: 0-0 from long range. Elfrid has never been a great shooter, and this season he’s been restraining himself from jacking from deep. As a result, his 3-point percentage is the best it’s been in his four-year career at 37.3%
I liked how Elfred played in his first Suns appearance. He defended well and penetrated the Nuggets’ defense by getting into the key and making plays down low. He hit some tough layups with bigs around him, and consistently found the open man on the perimeter.
Next: Previewing Devin Booker's second 3-point shooting contest
I look forward to seeing him paired with Devin Booker in the back court, and if Payton continues this style of play, he may be in town for a while. I expect the Suns to hit him with that qualifying offer in the summer.
The Suns will take on the Golden State Warriors tonight at Oracle Arena in Oakland. It’ll be a great opportunity for the team to bolster the placement of that pick!