5 point guard free agent options in 2021: Elfrid Payton
Certainly the Philadelphia 76ers would probbaly go after the New York Knicks’ backup point guard Derrick Rose if he was in their price range. However, the former MVP and current elite sixth man would cost too much for Philly.
That being written, Elfrid Payton isn’t a bad option either, although he’s clearly not on the same level as his counterpart. Payton only makes sense if Simmons gets traded as Payton isn’t a strong 3-point shooter. This past season, Payton averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, while making only 28.6 percent from the 3-point line.
It should be noted that for his career, Payton has averaged 6.2 assists, but with Julius Randle becoming a playmaker in New York, it took some of those duties away from the point guard. Payton can run an offense, rebound, and defend at a high level.
To be clear, Payton wouldn’t be starting for the Sixers if signed the 27-year-old point guard. However, if he’d be able to run the team’s second unit at a high level and his inability to shoot the ball effectively won’t be as big of a deal as he won’t be sharing the floor with Embiid as often.