After being selected just outside of the lottery with the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, forward Adreian Payne has not lived up to expectations. Payne was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks but dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves during his rookie campaign and has been underwhelming since.
Payne is now on his third team in the Orlando Magic but it may be a little while before he makes his debut with his new squad. Payne has fractured the fourth metacarpal in his left hand and is expected to be out indefinitely with no timetable for his return according to Orlando Magic PR:
RELEASE: Magic forward Adreian Payne suffers fractured left hand. pic.twitter.com/tv7FUSwzdd
— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) October 4, 2017
Adreian Payne is also with Orlando on a two-way deal further complicating his injury status. Upon return, Payne will likely spend some time with Orlando’s G-League affiliate, the Lakeland Magic. Now facing an injury coupled with his subpar play, Payne is facing an uphill battle when it comes to making an impact for his Magic team this upcoming season.
Payne is coming off a pedestrian campaign with the Wolves in which he put up per game marks of 3.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in only 18 appearances.
