By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Adreian Payne has died at the age of 31, per the report of the Detroit Free Press. Payne’s death was initially reported by former teammate Jared Sullinger Sr. and later confirmed by Chris Solari.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced he was shot to death early this morning, relays David Harris of Orlando Sentinel. Lawrence Dority, 29, was arrested on a first-degree murder charge.
The former MSU Spartan played four seasons for the Michigan State University and was a first-round pick of the Atlanta Hawks in the 2014 NBA draft.
Payne played five seasons in the NBA with three teams – Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Orlando Magic. He also played in the G League, as well as in Europe with Euroleague teams Panathinaikos and ASVEL.
With PAO, over two short stints, he won the Greek League in 2018 and the Greek Cup in 2019. With the French team, he won the domestic championship and the domestic cup in 2019.
He also played for Ormanspor in Turkey and had a stint in China with Nanjing Monkey Kings. His last stint was in the 2021-22 season with Juventus Utena in Lithuania. He parted ways with the club in February this year.
Most of his former teams and leagues announced their mourning, alongside the most famous MSU Spartan of All-time, Magic Johnson.
Cookie and I are heartbroken to hear that former Spartan Adreian Payne has passed away. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and Spartan Nation! Adreian will be sorely missed. ???
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 9, 2022