When the Phoenix Suns acquired Elfrid Payton about 15 minutes before the trade deadline ended, especially for only the second-round pick they were gifted alongside Troy Daniels back in September, this was a no-lose situation for either side. And I still feel that way 12 games through Payton’s initial trial run as the point guard of the future.
Payton escaped Orlando to join Phoenix — another bottomfeeding team but with much more promising talent led by Devin Booker — while management reigned-in a much-needed jolt to their poor guard play.