The Bulls need another table-setter.
The Chicago Bulls are performing notably better these days, but there is still much space for growth. The Bulls rank 29th in the NBA in assists per game with 23.7, 24th in assist percentage, and 30th in assist-to-pass percentage, so the front office may focus on playmaking. Elfrid Payton, a 29-year-old point guard, has been mentioned by Bleacher Report as a player who could assist boost those modest stats.
Legitimate table setter
Payton, the Philadelphia 76ers’ high lottery pick in 2014, has become a journeyman trying to keep his NBA dream alive while playing with the Indiana Mad Ants in the G League. He still has a lot of games left in him at only 29 years old and may be a great playmaker for the Bulls.
“While they have a good number of secondary playmakers, no one can claim table-setting as their signature offensive skill.” Elfrid Payton’s addition would change that. “Across his eight NBA seasons, the one-time lottery pick averaged 7.7 assists (to just 2.9 turnovers) per 36 minutes,” Zach Buckley writes.
Elfrid Payton, back in New York
Payton and his Fort Wayne Mad Ants fell to the Long Island Nets tonight at Nassau Coliseum
Elf is averaging 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6 assists in his first 4 games for the Pacers G League affiliate pic.twitter.com/qoZ1NHPM4r
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) February 23, 2023
Can help the Bulls
Coby White is having a good game right now, but the depth behind him is lacking. White is backed up by Chicago’s Jevon Carter, but the gritty guard’s biggest assets are spot-up shooting and on-ball defense, not playmaking. Payton’s ability to consistently search for his teammates may allow White to take more open shots.
“His blend of distributing and defense could appeal to Chicago given how many score-first contributors it already has,” he said.
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