2017 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Elfrid Payton

2 of 5

Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

What to Look For

Payton can have a very productive year if he is effective at the aspects of the game the Magic brought him in to do.

First of all, he will need to be a strong perimeter defender.

Payton showed a lot of potential on the defensive side of the ball in his rookie season. His combination of height and wingspan, 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-8 respectively, can allow him to create a lot of pressure at the perimeter and stick with quicker point guards.

If his focus is all there, he can do a good job of not only preventing penetration but also creating turnovers.

This play is an example of how he can use his athleticism and intelligence to be a strong defender.

Payton switches onto the open man, beats him to the baseline, uses his long arms to knock the ball loose and eventually grabs it after getting back in bounds.

If Payton can capitalize on his strengths and truly buy in to what new head coach, Frank Vogel, is implementing, he can be a strong defender.

Having elite rim protection behind him should help his confidence significantly, and allow him to play harder at the perimeter without having to be too concerned with the help behind him.

Offensively, Payton is not expected to be a Stephen Curry type of player who is a threat to pull up at any time. If he sticks to what he is comfortable with, he can be an effective offensive player.

He is a solid penetrator, and can get to the basket and draw the defense in. From there, he can finish at the rim or find an open teammate.

His ability to penetrate and facilitate allows the offense to flow, as the open man he finds can swing the ball to get an even better shot.

If Payton has the confidence to attack the basket at will, he should help the offense.

Payton will be at his best playing with a secondary creator, which the Magic may have in Mario Hezonja.

This forces the help defense to always be aware of other guys potentially attacking, and that will allow Payton to find more holes.

Also, Payton was a decent shooter on spot-up threes last season, hitting them at a 35 percent mark. He was especially dangerous when teams left him wide open too.

If another guy is able to drive and create plays, Payton could potentially get more catch-and-shoot opportunities. And if he continues to hit them at a decent mark, teams will be forced to respect his shot more.

Forcing defenses to take an extra step to close out on him at the perimeter would open up even more space that he would surely take advantage of.

Next: What could go wrong