NBA Position Rankings: Elfrid Payton and the point guards

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Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic, Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Feb 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Clippers won 107-93. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

The point guard position has become one of the most talented positions in the NBA. With stars headlining the position, where does Elfrid Payton rank?

The point guard position is loaded in today’s NBA.

There are multiple elite-level point guards who are capable of leading their teams to deep playoff runs. As the league has shifted to a more guard-oriented league, the Orlando Magic find themselves without a star guard.

With the team lacking an elite guard, they have turned to a pair of players who could become borderline All-Star caliber talents. One of them being shooting guard Evan Fournier and point guard Elfrid Payton.

Fournier was given a big five-year, $85-million deal to become a big piece of the Magic’s future. Evidence suggests Payton should be next in line for a new contract if he improves in 2017. He becomes eligible for an extension following this season.

It came as a surprise to some Payton was present at Orlando’s free agent meetings. His presence displays a certain confidence the Magic want to keep him around for a while. Payton has a rare skill set that could translate into a successful career in Orlando.

With Payton looking like a future franchise piece for the Magic, it is interesting to see how he stacks up against the rest of the league’s point guards.

At the moment, I do not think Payton is anywhere close to top-10 discussion among point guard. He lacks too much on the offensive end and to be frank. He was not all that great defensively either.

Offensively, Payton has no outside shot. Teams can play well off him, and it causes a lot of problems in the paint. His mid-range game is not much better which really hinders the pick-and-roll game. The only way Payton can really start to be a true asset on the offensive end, he needs to develop a jump shot pronto.

What may be the most frustrating part of Payton’s 2016 season was his inconsistent play on the defensive end. Payton was drafted for his defensive potential and he has yet to prove he can be a lockdown perimeter defender. If he fails to be a good defender, he really becomes a negative.

It may seem like Payton’s regression is permanent. But the truth is, he can become a really good point guard. He has a lot to work on.

But if Payton can show improvement in 2017, Orlando can start to see a big increase in their win total.

At the moment, ranking Payton with other point guards is tough, especially with the bright future he has. Even so, Payton could find himself moving up this list as the upcoming season rolls on.

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