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NBA Draft Prep: Reviewing the Orlando Magic’s Last 6 Lottery Picks

By Brett David Roberts

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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 /

2014: Elfrid Payton, No. 10 overall, Grade: A

Elfrid Payton could eventually be the third best talent in the 2014 class. At this point, only Marcus Smart and Dante Exum can even challenge him as the best point guard.

Payton lacks a jumper of any sort, but that is oft proven one of the areas players can substantially improve on the basis of hard work alone.

Payton has drawn comparisons to Rajon Rondo, but at this point he may be far better than Rondo ever has been — certainly he is better than Rondo was as a rookie.

He is just as adept with his ball fakes, and he led the NBA in assists per game during the final month of the season.

Payton made the First Team All-Rookie, and he has the passing talents to lead the NBA in assists for a full season. The fact he will have an outside chance at doing it as early as next year is fully indicative of how great he may one day be.

Next: #2 overall, 2013