Knicks fans absolutely love their team … except for Elfrid Payton
You’d think Elfrid Payton stole the lunch money off New York Knicks fans the way they really don’t like the veteran point guard.
Every team has its fan favorites. Some teams also have that one player that fans love to hate on.
For the New York Knicks, it’s Elfrid Payton.
Payton has started 51 games for New York this year, averaging 11.5 points per game. Along the way, he’s earned a reputation for being … well … not good.
It is not personal. Elfrid Payton is just not good.
— Mike Cortez 🇵🇷 (@CortezEra) April 24, 2021
And that’s a tame response to Payton.
Knicks fans really can’t stand Elfrid Payton
A quick search on Twitter reveals an endless pit of criticisms and burns directed toward the point guard.
The Knicks would be a 1 seed if Elfrid Payton just didn’t play
— Phill (@MeekPhill_) April 24, 2021
The Knicks actually try and give opponents head starts by starting Elfrid Payton every game
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) April 24, 2021
I am so proud of the Knicks for overcoming the adversity of having to play with Elfrid Payton for 20-25 minutes a night
— Knickerbacker (@knickerbacker) April 22, 2021
tbh probably Elfrid Payton. https://t.co/GrQ4KzasOz
— Marge (@fanduelintern) April 17, 2021
To be fair, they may have a point considering the numbers.
Elfrid Payton has 7 turnovers in his last 29 minutes of playing time.
— It’s a Hard Knicks Life (@HardKnicksLife) April 24, 2021
When the Knicks beat the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, Payton managed to rack up four turnovers in 14 minutes.
It was particularly annoying for fans against the Charlotte Hornets when Payton passed up dishing to RJ Barrett in favor of an ill-advised drive.
Elfrid Payton in a nutshell his entire tenure here in NY.
— TheBenchWarmer🏀 (@BenchWarmerPost) April 21, 2021
For christ sake man, just kick it out to RJ pic.twitter.com/Uoz6gQOoZ7
The lack of on-court chemistry between Payton and Barrett, a candidate for the Most Improved Player in the league, is a point of contention.
Elfrid Payton literally hates RJ Barrett... that’s the only way to explain this.
— Julito McCullum aka LITO (@IamJulito) April 24, 2021
That Elfrid Payton fast break layup attempt into 3 defenders was the cue to put in Quickley
— Daily Knicks (@DailyKnicksFS) April 21, 2021
Elfrid Payton watching RJ lighting it up from the bench pic.twitter.com/qK65305Yye
— Laude Hammercy (@JusFeelAmazin) April 21, 2021
Despite the feel-good run the team is on, the return of fans to Madison Square Garden meant criticism from the stands for Payton, who has been with the Knicks since 2019.
There is still a limited capacity on fans allowed in MSG - but the ones who are allowed in are united in their screaming at Elfrid Payton. 8-game winning streak has not soothed the masses.
— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) April 24, 2021
Garden fans in upper reaches back to their old ways, chanting "We Want Rose'' during part of this Raptors run, unhappy with Elfrid Payton.
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) April 24, 2021
Some jerk in MSG’s upper bowl is relentlessly and obnoxiously shouting curses at Elfrid Payton. Why that’s allowed but you can’t wear a Dolan shirt is silly.
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) April 24, 2021
In fact, a lot of people wondered why Payton gets minutes when others could benefit from them. Rose included.
Not tryna start any narratives but,
— 🔌 (@Hospey) April 24, 2021
Derrick Rose: +26 (team high)
Elfrid Payton: -9 (team low)
Elfrid Payton first quarter: -5 in 7 minutes
— Ethan (@NYSportsFanCush) April 24, 2021
Derrick Rose first quarter: +9 in 4 minutes
Frank Ntilikina could have had a similar career as OG Aunoby if the Knicks didn’t botch his development by playing Emmanuel Mudiay and Elfrid Payton over him
— #tape (@212NYNY) April 24, 2021
Rose is averaging 13.3 points in equal minutes compared to Payton’s 11.5. He’s also averaged more assists and fewer turnovers.
At least someone has Payton’s back.
I love every single player on the Knicks including Elfrid Payton
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) April 22, 2021
The Knicks are 34-27 and sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference thanks to their recent nine-game win streak. They can’t get complacent with the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics not far behind in the race to stay out of the play-in games to begin the playoffs.
Next. LeBron Excited To See Knicks Winning. dark