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Retrospective: Where does Elfrid Payton rank in All-time Magic point guards?

By Brett David Roberts

Apr 15, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives against Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams (8) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Brooklyn Nets won 101-88. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives against Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams (8) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Brooklyn Nets won 101-88. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Darrell Armstrong
Darrell Armstrong /

Darrell Armstrong encompassed an era of Orlando Magic basketball known as the “Heart and Hustle” teams, coached by a young Doc Rivers.

Armstrong was a holdover from the Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway era who came to occupy a much larger role as the team hit a tough transition era, coached by Doc Rivers.

Armstrong is the only player in NBA history to win both the Sixth Man of the Year and the Most Improved Award in the same season (1999), and he became emblematic of what the Magic wanted to sell to the fans: effort.

Darrell was known for never letting off the accelerator and did his best to stay fully charged, even chugging coffee and eating chocolate at halftime of Magic games.

It seemed to work.

Armstrong did not have the most talent, was not the best athlete on the court, but his relentless pursuit of loose balls, solid shooting and most of all his great leadership proved his value went far beyond the 9.2 points and four assists per game he averaged over his 13-year NBA career.

Next: 2. Scott Skiles