Orlando Magic: Transforming Serge Ibaka into a playmaker

6 of 7

Mar 15, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) attempted to defend Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Elfrid Payton

Elfrid Payton would benefit the most from Ibaka’s playmaking abilities.

Ibaka could take some of the load off of Payton and limit some of the turnovers he usually makes on the court. Payton’s ears are already wide open considering his best skill set is defense and he now has Ibaka as the anchor of the defensive end.

Increasing Ibaka’s playmaking role may make Payton focus more on playing off the ball and slashing to the basket.

Reducing Payton’s role as a playmaker may help reduce his turnovers and slashing to the basket for easy buckets could help Payton’s pedestrian field goal percentage. Even if that means defenders are ignoring him with his poor shooting ability.

There has been national criticism of Payton’s shooting percentages. Payton shot one of the worst free throw percentages in NBA history last year as he only shot 58.9 percent from the charity stripe. He also only shot 45.6 percent from the field.

This is a make-or-break year for Payton. He needs to improve drastically in this next season.