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Elfrid Payton expects to see Orlando Magic core return, grow

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Dec 7, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier (12) and Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) go after the loose ball during the second half at Amway Center. Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 117-87. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier (12) and Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) go after the loose ball during the second half at Amway Center. Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 117-87. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Elfrid Payton was recently on the HoopsHype Podcast and said he hopes to see the Orlando Magic return their core so they can continue to grow.

The Orlando Magic are expected to make some changes this summer. After a 29-win season, the team has to face some hard truths about its roster and the core it has built around. The group of Elfrid Payton, Evan Fournier, Terrence Ross, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic sounds promising on paper, but the group had its struggles last season.

The record speaks for itself.

With new management stepping in, it is unclear exactly what future the Magic will hold. The team is seemingly in flux. It certainly seems like it needs a change of some sort to create some flexibility and find a way forward.

But, at some level, the Magic and their new staff are still gathering information. President of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said he is still gathering information on the team’s current roster, consulting with coach Frank Vogel to get insider information.

Judging by everything players and coaches said after the season ended, they seem to be much more optimistic about their outlook. They look at the way the team played after the All-Star Break and see something to build on.

More importantly, for a player like Payton, especially, they view the continuity of having the same coaching staff and many of the same players will help the team take some steps forward.

There are still rumors swirling around, especially around Payton, but the expectation seems to be the team will come back largely intact. And that can be a good thing.

Payton joined Alex Kennedy on the HoopsHype Podcast and discussed the hope the end of the season gave the team and why he feels the team should consider running it back:

"“It has been super frustrating [to miss the playoffs],” Payton said on the podcast. “It’s been tough to cope with. Obviously when you think everybody puts in a lot of hard work — I know how much hard work I put in — to come up short is frustrating. I think we just continue to build on this chemistry, maybe add another piece, another wing to strengthen our bench. That was what hurt us a lot that last month and a half of the season was our bench. I think we have a pretty good core in that starting lineup. We just have to get one more piece, I believe."

This podcast was recorded before the Draft. So the Magic did add another wing in Jonathan Isaac in the Draft and Wesley Iwundu in the second round. That could help the team significantly on the court.

Payton said the team’s continuity with the coaching staff will help. But the team also needs to improve its defense. Adding defensive-minded players would boost the team, in addition to adding some more shooting. Payton said the team is in a good spot and just needs that time together.

He also added he is working to improve all aspects of his game, including his defense and shooting, especially near the rim. Payton seems to know he still has a lot of work to go.

Certainly, the Magic experienced some success after the Serge Ibaka trade last year. After the All-Star Break, the Magic improved to have a 102.9 offensive rating. That was still 24th in the league. And the team’s defense really struggled.

But, as Payton rightly points out, the Magic’s starting lineup was fairly strong. The group of Elfrid Payton, Evan Fournier, Terrence Ross, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic posted an 112.0 offensive rating and a +1.4 net rating. Add in Bismack Biyombo for Nikola Vucevic and the Magic had a similar 112.4 offensive rating and +1.4 net rating.

The defense was still a major concern, but the team had something to build on.

The team has a lot of growing to do. And certainly, the team’s poor depth did not help. Perhaps adding Jonathan Isaac and Wesley Iwundu will help. Perhaps the team needs more.

Almost every observer recognizes the Magic need to think about making bigger moves. And Payton will likely be in the crosshairs, especially in the final year of his rookie deal.

While the Magic offense hummed along well after the All-Star Break, the Magic were still just 8-16. The results for the team were not apparent despite the positive signs. And Payton’s individual strong play on the offensive end.

Orlando will not have the cap room to make many significant changes. And it is reasonable to believe the team will explore at least one trade of a major player to get the team moving in the right direction again.

Payton may not get his wish to see the whole team back from last year to build off the finish to the season. There were enough warnings to suggest that may not be the best idea. And new management has every intention of improving the team. That may include moving on from Payton if they can find a good deal.

Next: 2017 Orlando Magic Free Agency Preview: The Point Guards

Payton, though, wants to see the Magic give their young core continued chance to grow. Only time will tell if he gets his wish.