Adreian Payne, a former Michigan State basketball star and first-round NBA draft pick, has died at 31 years old.
News of the tragedy first began circulating on social media Monday morning before being confirmed by Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press. The Orange County Sheriff’s office announced Payne was pronounced at the local hospital after a shooting in the early hours of the morning.
The shooter has been identified as Lawrence Dority, who was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
Information from the Orange County (Florida) Sheriff’s office on the shooting death early Sunday of former Michigan State star Adreian Payne pic.twitter.com/208aqPu3Lj
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) May 9, 2022
After his career as a standout with the Spartans, Payne was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Payne played for the Hawks and G-League Fort Wayne Mad Ants, before he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He last played in the NBA in 2018 for the Orlando Magic. Since 2018, Payne played overseas in Greece, China, and Lithuania, winning the Greek League championship and Greek Basketball Cup with Panathinaikos.
Our deepest condolences go out to Payne’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
