Why Elfrid Payton is set to be most improved

Improvements on defense

Payton has also been a positive player on the defensive end. He is a terrific on-ball defender who creates problems for opposing point guards.

He pressures the ball handler well and can create turnovers. He averaged 1.7 steals per game last season, and was 12th out of all point guards in turnovers forced per 100 possessions.

Scott Skiles should help improve the team’s defensive rotations and allow Payton to pressure the ball handler with more confidence, which should result in even more turnovers created.

He also defended ball handlers on the pick and roll extremely well.

He was solid at cutting off the paint for defenders and forcing them to take jumpers. His opponents averaged 2.3 shot attempts within six feet, 3.6 3-point attempts, and 3.1 mid-range attempts. He should look to improve his defensive awareness and continue forcing opponents to take more low efficiency shots in that mid range.

He was also a very solid rebounder, finishing sixth out of all starting point guards in rebounding percentage.

Next: Confidence is key to improvement