Orlando Magic Daily
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Why Elfrid Payton is set to be most improved

By David Iwanowski

Apr 10, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) points from the court against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) points from the court against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) runs into Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) while shooting during the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) runs into Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) while shooting during the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Confidence is key

The big thing Payton has to work on this offseason is simply becoming more comfortable and confident with the game.

As the season went on last year, his output improved, as he seemingly became more comfortable in the NBA.

Payton needs to attack the paint with more confidence, and I feel that he will not have much trouble with that.

He only shot 48.5 percent from within five feet of the basket and 39.3 percent from between five and nine feet out. About 55 percent of his attempts were within five feet, so he gets to that spot well, and now simply has to have the confidence to finish or get to the line.

Payton definitely needs to lose his reluctance to get to the foul line. He only attempted 2.6 free throw attempts per game last season, and that number should be higher for a player who relies on layup opportunities.

Being less averse to contact will allow him to finish stronger at the rim as well.

Although he definitely should look to improve his free-throw-shooting abilities, even shooting two free throws at 55 percent yields a significantly higher expected value of possession (1.1 points per possession) than the team average of 0.996. He shot better than his average in March and April, so he may continue improving there.

Mentally slowing the game down will allow him to limit his turnovers and improve his court vision, which will help facilitate the offense.

The team scored 0.84 points per possession with him involved in transition and 0.66 points per possession when he received a ball screen.

Those types of plays will likely be crucial to the team’s offense. As he gets more experienced and gains more confidence, he will be more comfortable making decisions in those situations and improve the output.

They could potentially use him more off the ball, perhaps receiving dribble hand-offs, making basket cuts or even setting screens if they want to be really creative.

As he gets used to the speed and abilities of opposing offenses, as well as becoming more confident in his help, he should improve his on-ball and off-ball defense.

Next: The ceiling