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2017 Orlando Magic Season Review: 2017 Year End Orlando Magic Awards

By Vincent Mcmillan

Apr 12, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Frank Vogel (C) huddles with his players during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Frank Vogel (C) huddles with his players during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons
Apr 12, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives to the basket as Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (7) attempted to defend during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 113-109. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Most Improved Player: Elfrid Payton

Elfrid Payton made some great improvements this season from last season. Payton increased his points per game by 2.1, rebounds by 1.1, assist by 0.1 per game and lowered his turnovers by 0.2 per game. In addition to the output increase, Payton increased his efficiency by raising his field goal percentage and free throw percentage.

Payton was given the starting point guard position at the beginning of the season but was sat down in favor of D.J. Augustin for a stretch mid-season. From that period going forward, Payton showed flashes of greatness and the possibility of being the Magic’s point guard for the future.

In March, Payton recorded five triple-doubles and was one rebound away from a sixth. He took over the team as the Magic increased their pace.

Payton’s true improvement can be shown in his plus-minus comparisons. Last season, Payton finished with an offensive box plus-minus of -.9, defensive box plus-minus of -.5 and a total box plus/minus of -1.3.

This season those number increased to a .7 offensive box plus-minus, a .2 defensive box plus-minus and a .9 total box plus-minus. They were not world beating numbers, but it looked like Payton was getting himself back on track after struggling his sophomore year.

Payton also posted 1.7 victories over replacement player, according to Basketball-Reference. This was tied for the highest on the team with Nikola Vucevic.

Payton has not had a consecutive season with the same coaching staff(neither have any of these Magic players). Hopefully, his production at the end of the season after getting familiar with this staff and what he is being asked to do will continue next season.

Next: OMD Podcast: Sorting through the GM search

What do you think of our awards? What awards would you give out? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter @OMagicDaily.