NBA Position Rankings: Elfrid Payton and the point guards

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Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic, Rashad Vaughn, Milwaukee Bucks

Apr 11, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) holds off Milwaukee Bucks guard Rashad Vaughn (20) during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Elfrid Payton’s ranking

In my point-guard rankings, Payton was slotted at the 21st spot.

With all the talent in the point guard position, there is little hope Payton would crack the top 10. After that, it does get a little hazy.

Players like Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo could be headed for big seasons with a new club, but it is hard to see them get back to their elite form.

Regardless, Payton hovered around the 20th position. It is a fair place for Payton in today’s NBA. He has a ton of potential, but has yet to prove he should be considered more than a decent point guard by current standards.

The reason Payton is not higher on the list is his offensive limitations. Most NBA point guards can score in multiple ways. Payton has no been able to do that yet.

Overall, Payton’s second season was a step backwards. There is still plenty of time for him to develop, his inability to take a step forward keeps him in the bottom half of the rankings.

Next: The Eastern Conference is a mess

Looking at the players around Payton, he could easily jump five spots forward with a strong season. A big part of the Magic’s success is leaning on Payton’s development.