New Orleans Pelicans: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2018-19

2. Elfrid Payton

Last season the Pelicans deployed an intriguing backcourt tandem of Rondo and Jrue Holiday, sliding Holiday to the 2-guard position to both insert Rondo into the starting lineup and mask the lack of quality wing depth on the roster.

The results were promising, especially in the second half of the regular season and playoffs when Rondo really turned things on and Holiday thrived in a more featured role on offense.

In the offseason, Rondo took a nice payday from the Los Angeles Lakers and the Pelicans transitioned by signing Payton, who many likened to Rondo throughout his first four seasons in the league.

As mentioned earlier, New Orleans’ style of play is the primary reason to be excited about Payton’s upcoming season and breakout potential.

Last season, the Pellies led the league in pace, and really turned on the jets once Cousins went down with his Achilles injury. The Orlando Magic teams that Payton played on throughout his career consistently ranked around league-average in pace, but that didn’t stop Payton from thriving in transition.

A quick glance at Payton’s on/off numbers on Cleaning the Glass show the 24-year-old’s tendency to be at his best when running in transition:

Payton also excels in early offense, something that head coach Alvin Gentry wants the team to generate, especially through transition opportunities. The Pelicans saw nearly 44 percent of their team’s offense come between 24-15 seconds of a possession, allowing Payton to play at a pace that best suits his game. For him to succeed in New Orleans, the team should continue to rely on a fast pace and generate early offense.

Elfrid Payton will frustrate with his lack of shooting and decision-making, but he is now in the best position to succeed, and with a talented core around him, he can blend in and break out as the team’s starting point guard this season.