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Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Elfrid Payton

By Brett David Roberts

Jan 10, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) defends Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) defends Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) waits for teammates during an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Orlando Magic beat the Chicago Bulls 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) waits for teammates during an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Orlando Magic beat the Chicago Bulls 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

2016 Outlook

Elfrid Payton is the certified starter and a foundation of the rebuilding effort. Barring something strange happening, he will be starting at point guard again next season.

The question of Payton’s improvement mostly hinges on fixing the hitch in his shot. If he begins to hit the mid-range jumpshot, he could make such a quantum leap as to be an All-Star in two seasons from now.

During the final month of the season, he led the NBA in assists despite playing with an underwhelming starting five.

Payton, like many of the league’s top assist men in history, found ways to make his teammates better. Even the Magic’s worst offensive player in Dewayne Dedmon kept his hands ready and benefitted from Payton’s great court vision.

Payton’s ability to make his teammates better will continue to be his best asset, and it could render him a legend.

It may seem like getting ahead of ourselves, but he showed more than flashes. He showed during entire stretches of the season that he can be a top-tier NBA point guard. He did not back down from any challenges before him, and when it was all said and done, we were surprised he did not receive more respect from media in the Rookie of the Year vote.

But the entire NBA fan base has not yet been privy to Payton’s brilliance. As the Magic continue to improve and gain some more nights on national TV, his name will be mentioned frequently in discussing the league’s best creators.

Next: Final Grade