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Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Elfrid Payton

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (left) drives past Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (middle) as center Dewayne Dedmon (3) looks on during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (left) drives past Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (middle) as center Dewayne Dedmon (3) looks on during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Best Game of 2016

Nov. 27 vs. Bucks

22 pts., 10/12 FGs, 10 assts.

Elfrid Payton’s season was very odd. There is no game that seems to stand out above the others.

His lone triple double of the season came in a double-digit loss. He would rack up large assist numbers, but they would ultimately come in losses. It was hard to pin down exactly what formula Payton needed for the Magic to have success.

It was usually much more subtle.

This early season game against the Milwaukee Bucks, in what felt like the first blowout win of the season, Payton seemed to have everything together.

He scored at a high rate, seemingly putting together a lot of his shooting struggles and dished the ball well. This was when the Magic were really buying in on both ends and looking like they would dominate opponents. Michael Carter-Williams was a non-factor this game with Payton largely guarding him.

This was about as complete a game as Payton could play and a good sign of what he could do when he was on point. The Magic became that much more of a dangerous team.

Next: 2017 Outlook