Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Jan 14, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) high five after Oladipo dunked against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Houston Rockets 120-113. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) high five after Oladipo dunked against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Houston Rockets 120-113. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Good can get better

Elfrid Payton was already a big part of the present and future of the Magic, and his progression can be the key to the team making strides this season.

Simply becoming more comfortable with the NBA is such an important aspect of his improvement, and it seems to have already begun. He began to perform better as the season went on, and his usage rate increased to better than 21 percent in March.

After the Magic beat the Rockets in January, Dwight Howard attributed the win to Payton, saying, “He is the one that started everything.  He got into our guards on the defensive end. On the offensive end, he pushed the pace and made things happen.”

Payton has such an effect on the game because he helps the team in many different ways and makes the team flow.

He has some small things to work on that can make him very good very soon, and his realistic transformation is why I believe he will be the most improved player on the Magic this season.

Next: Nick Anderson's career a lesson to young Orlando Magic