Elfrid Payton

[Cajunsmike]

And Gentry has let him use that knowledge and experience to create. I think his previous coaches tried to rein that in so that he played more within the system. As much as I would like to see EP play in NOLA, I would have to take Rondo over him.

I agree Rondo is still the better player right now. Holiday is also a much better player than Payton. Probably not fair comparison because Holiday played at an All Star level for much of the past season. I remember some on here thinking Elfrid would eventually be better than Jrue Holiday. Jrue was not healthy in his early years with the Pelicans and fans did not see his complete game back then. None of this is meant to disparage Elfrid. As I said earlier, if he finds the right fit and accepts a role of being the first point off the bench he can play in the league many years. Hope he finds a team right for him and allows him to finally play on a winner. Finally, I am not sure the Pelicans will not look for a backup point guard. Holiday usually slides there when Rondo goes to the bench. However, Rondo will likely play limited minutes in the early part of the season so they may look to bring someone else in even if Rondo resigns with New Orleans.

[jllanclos]

Rondo > Elfrid but Elfrid is a coach on the floor, when stupid coaches get out of the way. I think he showed that in PHX.

[zephyr]

I believe he improved greatly once he got to Phoenix. He'll certainly land somewhere. More than serviceable. He operated under terrible coaching for much of his pro career thus far. Tried to turn him into a shooter instead of using his strengths to elevate the team. Orlando's so badly managed and coached, it's unbelievable.

I don't think anyone tried to turn him into a shooter as much as they tried to improve his shooting. If you can't shoot in this league its going to be hard to carve a niche for yourself.

[zephyr]

Rondo > Elfrid but Elfrid is a coach on the floor, when stupid coaches get out of the way. I think he showed that in PHX.

If there is one guy of the two you just mentioned who is a coach on the floor its Rondo.

[chauncey]

He would be a great compliment to Rondo and a very serviceable backup point guard for NOLA.

[Ragin4U]

I agree Rondo is still the better player right now. Holiday is also a much better player than Payton. Probably not fair comparison because Holiday played at an All Star level for much of the past season. I remember some on here thinking Elfrid would eventually be better than Jrue Holiday. Jrue was not healthy in his early years with the Pelicans and fans did not see his complete game back then. None of this is meant to disparage Elfrid. As I said earlier, if he finds the right fit and accepts a role of being the first point off the bench he can play in the league many years. Hope he finds a team right for him and allows him to finally play on a winner. Finally, I am not sure the Pelicans will not look for a backup point guard. Holiday usually slides there when Rondo goes to the bench. However, Rondo will likely play limited minutes in the early part of the season so they may look to bring someone else in even if Rondo resigns with New Orleans.

I think you are correct about needing another PG but I dont think EP is the answer there, if they keep Rondo.
Jrue is much more of a combo guard than a true 1 or 2 so you dont lose much when he has to play the 1 but it seems his natural position is SG. Rondo and EP are both pass first creators who are great defenders and can get to the rim but if the defense doesn't have to defend the perimeter against these guys, you HAVE to have someone to knock down the long ball. NOLA doesn't have that right now.
Again I would love to see EP in NOLA, I just dont think that's what they need, UNLESS Rondo goes elsewhere, then welcome home EP!

[Ragin4U]

If there is one guy of the two you just mentioned who is a coach on the floor its Rondo.

Agreed. I think EP can get to that point as he has a high basketball IQ.

[jllanclos]

If there is one guy of the two you just mentioned who is a coach on the floor its Rondo.

LOL I'd never try to put Elfrid in the same class as Rondo. That's foolishness.

[zephyr]

LOL I'd never try to put Elfrid in the same class as Rondo. That's foolishness.

My bad, I thought that was what you were stating in your post?

[jllanclos]

My bad, I thought that was what you were stating in your post?

Nah. Not at all. To clarify, I think Elfrid is developing as a "coach on the floor" and headed in the right direction there. Better than Rondo? That's not even a conversation unless you're really smoking some strong stuff.

[cajun_lannister]

Elfrid Payton has agreed to a deal with the Pelicans, league sources tell ESPN.

[CajunGrad16]

Elfrid Payton has agreed to a deal with the Pelicans, league sources tell ESPN.

He finally gets to come home and play. Can’t wait to watch him have fun in front of his family