Elfrid Payton had pledged not to cut his hair until his high school team won a state title. Unfortunately, they fell short in winning in the semis. As a result, Payton, who plays as a point guard for the Phoenix Suns, decided to finally visit a barber and get rid of his long locks. Now free from his hair, Payton feels liberated! This change in hairstyle may also benefit his shooting. A video by SB Nation analyzed Payton’s missed free throws and found that his long locks were sometimes interfering with his shots. Whether the hair was directly getting in the way of the ball or blocking his vision to the hoop, Payton is now free from these potential distractions as he aims to improve his game in the upcoming season.
Elfrid Payton is known for his unique and distinctive hairstyle. From his high school days in Gretna, Louisiana, he decided to keep his floppy locks even after promising not to cut them until his team won a state title. Despite the promise never becoming a reality, Payton remained committed to his look. However, recently his hair has started interfering with his shot on the court. It often floats forward like an awning, making it difficult for him to see the basket. This was evident in a game against the Brooklyn Nets where Payton’s locks contributed to an embarrassing eight-foot airball.
Since his high school days, Elfrid Payton had kept his long mane uncut as part of a pact with his Gretna High School teammates, which was to grow their hair until they won the state title (which they never did). However, the long locks hanging limply over his head didn’t exactly scream “young NBA point guard.” Despite his outstanding season and the trust he gained from his coach, Payton’s long floppy hair made him appear older than his actual age. This doesn’t do any favors for his career or the NBA itself.
Elfrid Payton may not be widely recognized outside of the NBA world, but within it, he is known for his signature hairdo and quirky fashion sense. However, his long floppy hair may interfere with his shot, which could be a liability for his basketball career. To avoid this, Payton decided to cut his hair short. This change means that his hair will no longer be making headlines during the games he plays.
