2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Elfrid Payton

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Elfrid Payton, New Orleans Pelicans, orlando Magic

Nov 16, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) dribbles the ball as New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham (33) defends during the second half at Amway Center. The Magic won 89-82. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Final Grade

C+. . PG. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON

It is still hard to figure out exactly who Elfrid Payton is and what player he can be for the Orlando Magic in the long term. That as much as anything was what the Magic needed to learn this year from this young point guard.

One of the risks the Magic took this year was believing in Payton. It almost literally ripped the franchise apart in many ways. Orlando needed Payton to step up.

The Magic did not give Payton the best opportunity to do so, just like with so many players on this mismatched roster. He was clearly affected as much as any player by the decision to go big. And the lack of shooting brought his weaknesses to the forefront.

Once the Magic opened up the floor for him, Payton became unleashed and a much better basketball player. He was perhaps the Magic’s best overall player after the All-Star Break.

But those weaknesses remained. And despite all the triple doubles, the Magic still lost games. His defense, supposedly a reason to draft him back in 2014, remained below average.

It all leads to bigger questions about Payton and his place on the team moving forward.

Next: NBA.com names top 10 Orlando Magic plays of 2017

Like so many things that happened this season, Payton did not take the next step forward. And it was hard to find any consistency from him.