The Charlotte Hornets have had several issues to solve since the start of the season, including their lackluster offense that has had them ranking near the bottom of the league in average scoring and offensive rating. A huge reason behind it is the dearth of reliable playmakers on the roster.
The team currently dishes out 23.9 assists per contest, with only four other squads averaging fewer dimes. LaMelo Ball, when healthy, has tried his best to direct the offense, putting up 7.3 assists per game, but opponents have so far been able to focus their defense on the star. Miles Bridges has also helped in that department, more so in recent games with Ball out. However, that simply isn't enough.
What the Hornets need is a decent floor general off the bench who can seamlessly be integrated into the starting lineup whenever the 2021 Rookie of the Year is on the sidelines. Vasilije Micic was supposed to be that guy but couldn't live up to expectations, which is part of the reason he was shipped to the Phoenix Suns.
Hornets added Elfrid Payton on a 10-day contract
With Micic gone to the elation of numerous Charlotte fans, the team required a replacement and quickly found one in Elfrid Payton.
The Charlotte Hornets are signing guard Elfrid Payton to a 10-day contract, agent Darrell Comer of Tandem told ESPN. Payton returns to the NBA after strong performances for the Pelicans earlier this season, including a 14-point, 21-assist game on Nov. 25. pic.twitter.com/RRIdAIBiDr
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 7, 2025
The 30-year-old veteran has made his mark in the league by proving to be a crafty playmaker, as evidenced by his career average of 5.8 dimes per match. He has also shown the ability to score when needed, and Charlotte could definitely find plenty of use for his all-around skills.
Payton had already suited up in the NBA this season, having joined the New Orleans Pelicans early in the campaign. He even logged a 14-point, 21-assist performance against the Indiana Pacers, only for the Pelicans to waive him a week later.
The former lottery pick will have a few opportunities to prove he is worthy of a roster spot on the Hornets, as the organization only gave him a 10-day contract. Of course, the parties can extend the partnership with another 10-day deal before a decision on whether to sign him to a standard deal has to be made.
Considering his track record, Payton has a high chance of staying put in Charlotte for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. Hopefully, he can address one of the Hornets' major weaknesses as well as serve as a mentor for their young guards, particularly KJ Simpson, who has shown flashes of potential to be a useful rotation piece.