Career Timeline of Elfrid Payton: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Elfrid Payton built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Elfrid Payton Jr. is a professional basketball player currently with the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. He played college basketball for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, earning the Lefty Driesell Award for his defensive prowess in 2014. Payton entered the NBA after being drafted 10th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2014 NBA draft, and was subsequently traded to the Orlando Magic.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Payton shines as a sophomore

In the 2012 season, Elfrid Payton stood out as a sophomore. He averaged 15.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.4 steals per game, and was named first team All-Sun Belt Conference.

2013: Payton played on team USA

In the summer of 2013, Elfrid Payton was selected to the United States team for the 2013 FIBA Under-19 World Championship.

April 2014: Payton declares for NBA draft

In April 2014, Elfrid Payton declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his final year of college eligibility.

June 26, 2014: Payton is drafted and traded

On June 26, 2014, Elfrid Payton was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, but he was then traded to the Orlando Magic.

October 29, 2014: Payton makes NBA debut

On October 29, 2014, Elfrid Payton made his NBA debut in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

2014: Payton wins Lefty Driesell Award and drafted into NBA

In 2014, Elfrid Payton won the Lefty Driesell Award as the national college defensive player of the year. He was also selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 10th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft, but was then traded to the Orlando Magic.

January 16, 2015: Payton has season best game

On January 16, 2015, Elfrid Payton had a season-best game with 22 points and 12 assists in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

November 18, 2015: Payton scores career-high 24 points

On November 18, 2015, Elfrid Payton scored a then career-high 24 points in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

March 23, 2016: Payton records third career triple-double

On March 23, 2016, Elfrid Payton recorded his third career triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a loss to the Detroit Pistons.

December 6, 2016: Payton scores 22 points in first half

On December 6, 2016, Elfrid Payton scored 22 of his career-high 25 points in the first half of the Magic's win over the Washington Wizards.

December 13, 2016: Payton records career highs

On December 13, 2016, Elfrid Payton recorded career highs with 26 points and 14 assists in a win over the Atlanta Hawks.

January 14, 2017: Payton has career-high 28 points

On January 14, 2017, Elfrid Payton had a career-high 28 points and added nine rebounds and nine assists in a loss to the Utah Jazz.

March 6, 2017: Payton records first triple-double of the season

On March 6, 2017, Elfrid Payton had his first triple-double of the season with 16 points, 10 assists, and 11 rebounds in a loss to the New York Knicks.

March 13, 2017: Payton records his third triple-double of the season

On March 13, 2017, Elfrid Payton recorded his third triple-double of the season, with 13 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds in a loss to the Sacramento Kings.

December 23, 2017: Payton scores a career-high 30 points

On December 23, 2017, Elfrid Payton scored a career-high 30 points in a loss to the Washington Wizards.

February 8, 2018: Payton traded to the Phoenix Suns

On February 8, 2018, Elfrid Payton was traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for a 2018 second-round pick.

March 4, 2018: Payton records a season-high 14 assists

On March 4, 2018, Elfrid Payton had 11 points, 10 rebounds and a season-high 14 assists in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks. It was his second triple-double in nine games with the Suns.

July 9, 2018: Payton signs with New Orleans Pelicans

On July 9, 2018, Elfrid Payton signed with his hometown team, the New Orleans Pelicans.

October 17, 2018: Payton records a triple-double in his debut with the Pelicans

On October 17, 2018, in his debut for the Pelicans, Elfrid Payton recorded 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over the Houston Rockets.

July 9, 2019: Payton signs with the New York Knicks

On July 9, 2019, Elfrid Payton signed a reported two-year deal with the New York Knicks.

November 19, 2020: Payton is waived by the Knicks

On November 19, 2020, the New York Knicks waived Elfrid Payton.

August 10, 2021: Payton signs with Phoenix Suns

On August 10, 2021, Elfrid Payton signed with the Phoenix Suns.

February 6, 2023: Payton to sign with Osos de Manatí

On February 6, 2023, it was reported that Elfrid Payton would sign with Osos de Manatí of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional.

February 8, 2023: Fort Wayne Mad Ants acquire Payton's player rights

On February 8, 2023, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants announced that they had acquired the player rights to Elfrid Payton.

March 31, 2023: Payton signs with Osos de Manatí

On March 31, 2023, Elfrid Payton signed with Osos de Manatí of the Puerto Rican league.

September 29, 2023: Payton signs with Indiana Pacers

On September 29, 2023, Elfrid Payton signed with the Indiana Pacers, but was waived a day later.

October 28, 2023: Payton joins the Indiana Mad Ants

On October 28, 2023, Elfrid Payton joined the Indiana Mad Ants.

October 3, 2024: Mad Ants trade Payton's rights

On October 3, 2024, the Mad Ants traded Elfrid Payton's rights to the Birmingham Squadron for the rights to Landers Nolley II after Payton signed a training camp deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.