Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

The Big Question: How can the young core improve for the Orlando Magic?

By Connor Renfro

Apr 13, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) reacts for a rebound with Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) reacts for a rebound with Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic
Feb 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Elfrid Payton’s impact

We will start with Elfrid Payton.

Payton is a tremendous defender who has the ability to impact games without being actively involved in the box score. While his scoring was not all that impressive in his rookie season, Payton helped the Magic’s plus/minus substantially, primarily due to his rock-solid defense.

With Payton on the court, Orlando’s point differential was -3.9 points per game. While he was off, that number fell to -8.7 points per game — a substantial testament to his defensive capability and playmaking ability as a point guard.

Live Feed

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

    • Even though Payton contributed plenty to the Magic last season, one glaring issue with his game is his jump shot and scoring ability in general.

    While it is in no way a necessity for Payton to be a knock-down shooter — especially with his court vision and passing ability — it certainly would not hurt for him to be able to knock down mid-range jump shots from time-to-time.

    Payton’s jumper saw some noticeable improvement throughout last season, but if he can stretch the floor just a bit for Orlando, it would pay huge dividends offensively allowing Nikola Vucevic room to work inside, and give Victor Oladipo some extra space for slashing to the basket, which he already does exceptionally well.

    His jump shot does not have to be his point of attack in terms of improved scoring. If Payton can polish off his finishing ability to go with his ball handling, that should do just fine.

    Orlando needs offensive production from Payton. That means scoring, not necessarily shooting.

    Next: Victor Oladipo