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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Mar 18, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (9) drives off a pick set by center Tyson Chandler (6) against Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (9) drives off a pick set by center Tyson Chandler (6) against Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

The ceiling

Many people use other players with similar game types to compare Payton, such as Rajon Rondo or Russell Westbrook.

Rondo has shot better than Payton’s 26.2 3-point percentage for four seasons in his career. In his sophomore season, as starting point guard of the NBA Champion Celtics, Rondo shot threes just as poorly, had fewer assists and had as many steals as Payton had this season.

However, Rondo figured out the aspects of the game he does extremely well, such as defense and facilitating, and continued improving on them until he eventually became an All-Star four years in a row. It helped he had some Hall of Famers playing alongside him.

Westbrook is only a career 30.4 percent 3-point shooter, but he plays with such aggression and confidence, it is difficult for defenses to stand in his way. He also has solid court vision and is a very hounding perimeter defender.

As Payton gets more experience this year, he should look to channel those aspects of the games of Rondo and Westbrook as he looks to find his niche. He can become a huge asset in this league.

Next: Elfrid Payton is good, can be better