Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic new backcourt depth will increase wins

By Brett David Roberts

Dec 15, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) dribbles the ball up court against Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) dribbles the ball up court against Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Still about Elfrid Payton

Of course, the Magic will want to keep Elfrid Payton on the court as much as possible. At times, Payton simply willed the Magic. He was capable of forcing action and making plays, and not everyone on the roster can do that.

Some games when Payton’s shot was not falling he would manage to get into the paint for looks that invariably were found due to his endless supply of crafty head fakes and ball fakes. He also was not afraid to attack the offensive glass and he could become a second shot creator in the mold of Rajon Rondo in time.

Teams fear just that.

Teams fear Payton because he can get triple doubles and utterly take over games. He did it twice last season, once in Dallas and again at home (the next game no less) against Damian Lillard and Portland.

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New Orleans Pelicans all-time leaders in triple doubles
New Orleans Pelicans all-time leaders in triple doubles /

Pelican Debrief

  • 3 Raptors free agent PG targets after Dennis Schroder snub Raptors Rapture
  • NBA rumors: Hornets focusing in on several guards, including former All-Stars FanSided
  • Does Elfrid Payton make sense for the Hornets? Swarm and Sting
  • NCAA Basketball: 10 best players from state of Louisiana of last decade Busting Brackets
  • Philadelphia 76ers: Pursue a pass-first point guard like Elfrid Payton Section 215

    • Payton impacted the game through his passing, rebounding, scoring, defense — he was the whole shebang and is the most dynamic point the Magic have had since Penny Hardaway. The level of impromptu brilliance Payton displayed when he was really in a groove is rare, and that is what keeps faith alive that this team can rise from its own ashes.

    He became more than just a prospect in many senses, but a history maker and a franchise cornerstone.

    And with Payton as the engine, the Magic have so many ways to hurt opponents in the backcourt now that if things develop right it could be one of the best backcourt rotations in the East within a couple seasons. He led the league in assists during the final month of the 2015 season, and that was amid the chaos of an interim coach just trying to hold the planks of the ship together.

    Next: A rotation of strength