Magic power forward Adreian Payne fractured a bone in his left hand during today’s practice, the team tweeted. The injury was to the fourth metacarpal, and team doctors aren’t sure how long Payne will be sidelined.
Payne is in his first season with Orlando after signing a two-way contract in August. He spent the past two years with the Timberwolves, but only played 18 NBA games last season. He missed nearly two months because of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).
Drafted 15th overall by Atlanta in 2014, Payne spent most of his rookie season in the G League and played just three games for the Hawks before being dealt to Minnesota. He is the highest-drafted player to agree to a two-way deal, which limits his time in the NBA this season to 45 days. Orlando still has another two-way slot available.
He never really lived up to the hype, but I always liked the kid. I wish him the best.