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Adreian Payne out indefinitely with broken hand

By Philip Rossman-Reich

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: Adreian Payne #33 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the 2016 NBA Las Vegas Summer League game on July 18, 2016 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: Adreian Payne #33 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the 2016 NBA Las Vegas Summer League game on July 18, 2016 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic’s two-way contract signee Adreian Payne suffered a setback in practice, suffering a broken hand in Wednesday’s practice.

Adreian Payne still does not really know how his two-way contract works. Neither do the Orlando Magic and the Lakeland Magic. He is their grand experiment with this new tool the NBA and the collective bargaining agreement are giving to NBA teams.

That experiment may get something of a delay, unfortunately for the young player the Magic are working with on that deal.

The team announced Wednesday forward Adreian Payne fractured the fourth metacarpal in his left hand during practice. He will be out indefinitely but will not require surgery. His timetable for a return is dependent on how he responds to treatment and how the injury naturally heals.

Payne was sporting a cast over his left hand as he left the Amway Center after shootaround before Thursday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks.

It is a minor setback. Payne said he was optimistic he would be back early in the Lakeland Magic’s season beginning in early November. But it is a big one for a young player trying to claw his way into the NBA.

"“It’s unfortunate right now, especially happening at this time,” Payne told Orlando Magic Daily. “Things happen for a reason. Thank god it happened this early in the preseason. I will be able to get back before the season and be able to contribute to the season.”"

Payne said he injured his hand on a play in practice when he hit his hand on another player. He played for a while with the injury before noticing pain and seeing the trainers.

This was going to be an interesting season for Payne, a 6-foot-10 forward who played for the Michigan State Spartans. The Atlanta Hawks selected Payne 15th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. But he never could get him the playing time he needed with them. The Atlanta Hawks traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in February of his rookie year, but he still struggled to get playing time.

In all, Payne has played in 102 total games in three seasons, averaging 4.0 points per game and shooting a 41.4 percent effective field goal percentage.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

At Michigan State, Payne showed tremendous versatility and athleticism as the literal replacement for Draymond Green in the team’s lineup. He could step out and hit 3-point shots, but he worked well around the basket where his length came into play. Payne was a solid defender too throughout his college career.

He has not quite translated to the NBA. Nor has he really gotten his chance.

Not that the Magic would have given him much of one other than to give him a shot at the G-League. Still, coach Frank Vogel said he was happy with how Payne played and felt bad for him suffering an injury, especially as the preseason was just getting going.

"“It stinks. It’s a shame,” Vogel told Orlando Magic Daily after shootaround on Thursday. “I feel bad for him. He has worked his tail off. He had a good camp. I was hoping to get him in a couple of games early. I didn’t get him in the other night [Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies] and then he breaks his hand. It’s part of the game. I wish him a speedy recovery.”"

Vogel said having the security of the two-way contract should help Payne. They can certainly afford to use the Lakeland Magic to help him with his recovery. As part of the stipulation of the two-way contract, the Magic can only carry him on the main roster for a maximum of 45 days during the G-League season.

He added Payne has been around the league for a few years. That should help him quickly get back into the flow once he is cleared to return. And Payne certainly feels hungry to be in the league. He said he took the two-way contract because the Magic sought him out for it, turning down perhaps bigger offers from teams overseas.

Next: Orlando Magic encouraged with first effort

When Payne will get to be back on the floor is still undetermined so soon after the injury. Regardless of Payne’s ultimate role, it is a setback for the young player. He is someone the Magic clearly wanted to keep an eye on.