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Orlando Magic Power Rankings Roundup: Elements of culture

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Apr 1, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) brings the ball up court in the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. The Nets won 121-111. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) brings the ball up court in the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. The Nets won 121-111. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /
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Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic
Nov 13, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson (21) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Marc Stein, ESPN.com

. (63-14). Previous: . Golden State Warriors. 1. team. 41

New York Knicks. 27. team. 27. . (29-48). Previous:

28. team. 38. . (27-50). Previous: . Orlando Magic

"We get this question a lot: Why are you so hung up on triple-doubles? The Committee’s general stance, in response, is that (A) we can’t resist when this is the season of the triple-double and (B) triple-doubles are too fun to downplay anyway. Maybe we’re a touch too focused on the phenomenon. Maybe we are guilty of writing about triple-doubles too much in these rankings. But we’re not apologizing. It strikes us as notable, late in another lost season for the Magic, that Elfrid Payton just joined Oscar Robertson, Walt Frazier and Magic Johnson as the only players 23 or younger to record five triple-doubles in a calendar month. Are we blowing that out of proportion given that one could argue Payton’s March stats were on the empty side based on where Orlando is in the standings? Our counter: Is there really something else happening with the Magic at the minute that deserves our attention? (To be fair, Orlando is sure to be in the news Tuesday night, when we find out whether LeBron James plays or rests on the eve of Cleveland’s final regular-season showdown with Boston. The Cavs are 0-6 this season without James in uniform.)"

20. . (22-55). Previous: . Los Angeles Lakers. 29. team

Elfrid Payton has been the biggest debate within and among Magic fans for the better part of two years. His promising rookie year gave way to a frustrating sophomore season and then an inconsistent third year. At some point, a player becomes what he is. And the Magic have a high draft pick in a point guard-heavy draft. It seemed a replacement was inevitable.

March changed everything. Or at least some things.

This is a crazy statistical season. Triple doubles are getting passed out like candy thanks to Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Elfrid Payton’s five triple doubles this season would have set a Magic career record. Yes, Payton is forever etched in Magic history, at least until someone passes him. Which could happen in this environment.

It is hard to get a handle on Payton and his play to end the season. It is incredibly encouraging. And, as has been the case the last two season, the Magic are a significantly better team when Payton plays at a high level. He brings everyone up with him offensively.

But questions remain whether this is a long-term trend or something that is happening at the end of a disappointing season. What do these numbers really mean? That is really unclear.