Mad Ants add Elfrid Payton — former NBA lottery pick — to roster
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants have been hit by several injuries, especially to the backcourt, which opens up a role for Elfrid Payton.
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants have acquired the rights to veteran Elfrid Payton.
Payton, the 10th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, was with the Orlando Magic for his first four seasons (2014-18). Then, he spent time with Phoenix, New Olreans, New York and Phoenix again.
He appeared in 50 games with the Suns last season, averaging 3.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. He shot 38.3% from the field.
Payton, 28, is expected to make his debut Friday at Greensboro and will wear No. 2.
The move was announced late Wednesday after the Mad Ants, the G League affiliate team of the Pacers, defeated the Oklahoma City Blue 133-119.
During that game, the Mad Ants were without guard David Stockton, Eli Brooks, Deividas Sirvydis, Bennie Boatwright and Norvel Pelle.
Stockton had ice under his left thigh to end Monday’s game, the same game Brooks exited earlier with a badly sprained ankle. He made it to the back of the arena, but was in immense pain and couldn’t put much pressure on it.
Brooks, an undrafted rookie, then was at Wednesday’s game with his left foot in a boot — as seen in the photo above.
Sirvydis has been sidelined with back pain. And Bennie Boatwight’s season was cut short with a season-ending injury, thus opening a roster spot to add Payton in the backcourt.
The Mad Ants will play twice next week at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Monday against the South Bay Lakers and Wednesday against the college Park Skyhawks, who are coached by former Mad Ants head coach Steve Gansey.