New York Knicks: Elfrid Payton is key to unlocking the struggling offense

After falling to 1-7 and losing their second consecutive game by 20+ points, the New York Knicks need a boost on offense. The return of starting point guard Elfrid Payton should help immensely.

When Elfrid Payton signed a modest 2-year, $16 million contract with the New York Knicks, (2nd year team option) it was assumed that he would be competing for the starting point guard spot. However, he struggled in the preseason and was eventually benched.

He then put up 11 points, 8 assists and 5 steals in the first game of the season, almost leading a comeback victory over the San Antonio Spurs. This helped him secure the starting job. However, he suffered a hamstring injury a few games later and was ruled out. Currently, he’s going to be re-evaluated this upcoming Sunday to gauge his return date.

There are many reasons why Elfrid Payton should be the starting point guard once he returns, and his impact should immediately help the offense.

Frank Ntilkina is better suited as a backup

The 21-year old has done an admirable job stepping up as the first unit point guard, averaging 7.7 points and 3 assists per game while shooting 53% from the field and 43% from three as a starter. On the downside, the team has failed to secure a win during his time as a lead guard and hasn’t yet scored over 102 points.

Ntilikina would be much better as a second team point guard, as his contagious defensive energy and pass-first mindset would be welcome among the likes of Bobby Portis, Wayne Ellington, and Kevin Knox.

Payton’s established chemistry with Julius Randle

Elfrid Payton and Randle were teammates last year on the New Orleans Pelicans, and their rapport has carried over to the Knicks. The duo of Randle and Payton has outscored opponents by 5.3 points per 100 possessions in their short time with the team, which is an extremely positive sign given that they’ve shared the court for 103 minutes.

This large sample size is important when you consider the Knicks are just 1-7 and have gotten outscored by an average of 10.5 points per game.

Randle is close to unstoppable when he’s hot, evidenced by his 17-point first half against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. If Payton can come back and continue to feed Randle instead of letting the big man isolate, this should open up the entire offense.

Payton is a true floor general

The 6th year guard has been a lead ball-handler for his entire career, and his ability to get an offense in rhythm cannot be understated. Although his scoring average of 11.1 points per game doesn’t jump off the stat sheet, he affects the game in numerous ways. His career numbers of 6.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals help highlight the impact Payton can make on any given day.

In games where the former Louisiana standout has suited up, the Knicks have a record of 1-3 while scoring an average of 105 points per game. Without him, the Knicks are 0-4 and have scored an average of just 94.7 points per game.

He’s helped R.J. Barrett have immediate success

While crediting all of the 19-year old’s stellar play to Elfrid Payton would be unfair, it’s clear that Barrett is thriving when he has Elfrid feeding him high-percentage looks within the offense.

Without Payton, Barrett has put up numbers of 15.3 points, 4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game with shooting numbers of 35% from the field and 27% from deep.

When they both share the backcourt, R.J. has averaged 20.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while hitting 49% of his field goal attempts and 47% of his threes.

https://twitter.com/nyknicks/status/1188262391424925696

At just 25 years old, Elfrid Payton is entering his athletic prime. With a collection of young talent surrounding him, his return to action should result in an increase in scoring and (hopefully) winning for the New York Knicks.