The Sacramento Kings just had a moment to digest the signing of former all-star Ben Simmons and ruminate about the possibilities of what Simmons might bring to the team, when suddenly news arrived that another guard had been signed.
Not a household name, Elfred Payton Jr. is now a proud member of the Sacramento Kings.
Signed by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 10th overall pick in the 2014 draft, Payton brings with him a wealth of experience in what has been an up and down career thus far.
Intriguing is his penchant for triple doubles, something that most NBA players never achieve.
During the 2018/2019 season, Payton achieved a feat that only Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Russell Westbrook, and Oscar Robertson ever achieved in NBA history when he amazingly recorded 5 triple-doubles in consecutive games.
Add to that the fact that Payton is known more for his defense than his offense, and the Kings just signed a player that potentially could raise some eyebrows in a positive way.
Every NBA team knows the value of a solid bench and how important that is, and although not probably a starter for the Kings, Elfred Payton has seen his share of starting roles in the NBA.
As a junior in college playing for Louisiana-Lafayette Payton was awarded defensive player of the year in division one college basketball.
At just 6’3” Payton drew enough interest to be picked up by the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, and the New Orleans Pelicans, after leaving the Philadelphia 76ers, and with the recent signing by the Sacramento Kings, Payton hopes to do what Ben Simmons is attempting, and resurrect a stuttering career.
A bio with such broad achievements, it’s no wonder that Scott Perry decided to take a chance on this much traveled baller.
Already the Kings have 3 new rookies that the Sacramento fans can’t wait to see in legitimate NBA action, and now they have both a healthy Ben Simmons and a 32-year-old Elfred Payton Jr. to see as well.
Can Elfred Payton Jr. remind Kings fans of what a young Davion Mitchell provided with his high energy defense off the bench and once again bring to the floor a player with true shutdown abilities.
Well, if he can, Scott Perry is beginning to give Doug Christie what he’s been praying for in players that are defensive minded first.
Any time a player has been traveled as much as Elfred Payton Jr. the natural question is why, and only time will tell if he has holes in his game, or he simply never found the right fit.
I’m hoping Sacramento is just what the doctor ordered, and Mr. Payton is about to get the jump start he’s been looking for.
You won’t have to wait long Kings fans, because preseason is just one week away, and what remains to be seen is how Doug Christie will use his new faces, and can he build a team chemistry in under a month?
Everyone loves a feel-good story, and nothing feels better than seeing a player come back and soar to the heights.
Ben Simmons certainly knows what that feels like, and the question is whether he’s truly healthy and does he have the motor every Sacramento fan is hoping he has.
I look for a full house on October 23rd, as the Kings kick off the regular season against the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden One Arena.
After a better than solid draft, and now 2 very interesting acquisitions, Sacramento fans have plenty to root for, so time to get excited Kings fans and buy your tickets.
Now, along with Domantas Sabonis, the Kings have a legitimate triple-double threat in Elfred Payton Jr., and a player that has a nose for defense.
Make no mistake about it, the rebuild is happening right before your eyes, so now it’s time to take stock in what you have and be careful not to trade away a player that is integral to the success of the team.
Let this young team play together and come together, and just maybe, something remarkable may show itself.
Time to watch NBA basketball and find your new favorite player. I know I already have, and I can’t wait to see the Kings prove the pundits wrong.
All the best Kings fans!
V.G. Harris
Vince Harris is an area resident and the author of Kings Corner, in which he contributes to Folsom Times, giving readers a look at the happenings on the court and behind the scenes of the Sacramento Kings.
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