Orlando Magic Player Evaluations 2016

Elfrid Payton

In the wake of Scott Skiles’ resignation, there has seemingly come a flashpoint on Elfrid Payton and his future.

The reports from several outlets are that Skiles did not see Payton as the team’s future point guard while Rob Hennigan and Magic management did. There certainly seemed like a disconnect on the court. Payton was probably the poster child for the Magic’s inconsistencies.

When he was good in December and in April, the Magic were a very difficult team to defeat. When he was bad like he was through much of January as he dealt with injuries, the Magic were very bad.

It added to the puzzle for Payton, as I wrote in his player evaluation:

"Payton’s sophomore year was a struggle. A step back is not the exactly right way to describe it, but Payton did not have as good of a season. He looked more like a rookie, unsure of himself and figuring things out while making mistakes on the floor, than he did his rookie year. It was a year of frustration for Payton. Things did not go as planned, it seemed. Every time he seemed about to find his rhythm and the Magic were getting on a roll, something would knock Payton back. In many ways, Payton was the Magic’s most important players. And his trials and tribulations all season predicted how the Magic would go."

As it seemed for the Magic, Payton had to receive something of an average grade. I gave him a ‘C‘ for his season. He failed to take steps forward and firmly establish himself as the team’s point guard of the future, although he continued to show flashes that he could be.

It being his second season though, it is hardly the tim to give up on him. His jump shooting improved and he had a strong finishing kick. Perhaps that can be enough to hold onto and let him continue to grow with a new coach.

Next: The star that wasn't