New Orleans Pelicans: 3 takeaways from 2018-19 season opener

3. Elfrid Payton finishes his first Pelicans game with a triple-double

The Gretna, Louisiana native and former Louisiana-Lafayette standout recorded 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in his Pelicans debut. While he did not score a lot of points, this is a big positive for New Orleans, a team that has been limited with elite players and perimeter scoring from the guard position.

Payton, who averaged 13 points in 44 games with the Orlando Magic and nearly 11.8 points per game in a 19-game stint with the Phoenix Suns last season, will need to bring a solid contribution for the Pelicans each night.

Jrue Holiday, who is the main scorer at the guard position, averaged 19 points per game last season but only had 10 in the Pels’ season-opening win. In most cases, however, Holiday stays consistent with his scoring ability. Combining his contribution with E’Twaun Moore, the re-signing of Tim Frazier and Payton’s production, the Pelicans’ perimeter scoring and ball movement will continue to improve.

Will New Orleans be the best team in the Western Conference? That would be a huge stretch. However, from watching the first game, the Pelicans can be a legitimate playoff contender like they were last season as long as Payton brings measured, consistent production to the table.