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2018 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Elfrid Payton

By Patrick Flynn

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 26: Elfrid Payton #4 of the Orlando Magic goes up for a lay up against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 26, 2016 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 26: Elfrid Payton #4 of the Orlando Magic goes up for a lay up against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 26, 2016 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat
MIAMI, FL – FEBRUARY 13: Elfrid Payton #4 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Miami Heat on February 13, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What to look for

Elfrid Payton is certainly in a prove-it year with the Orlando Magic. He will need to continue to improve his field goal percentage and have a bounce-back year from beyond the arc — or shoot that shot more selectively and efficiently. He will need his improved shooting and his success running the fast break to build upon his finish. If he can, it could be the best year of Payton’s career.

Payton has always hovered around 6.5 assists per game. A full season of playing in a more up-tempo offense may increase those numbers. The biggest x-factor for Payton’s success this season is consistent playing time.

Payton is the assumed starter for the team. If he cannot hold his position there then things have gone horribly wrong for the team.

Payton losing his starting role to D.J. Augustin or Shelvin Mack makes very little sense for a couple of reasons. Neither D.J. Augustin nor Shelvin Mack is the type of player that is going to move the needle for the Magic. They are fine role players who can be productive in limited minutes. But, there is no short-, or long-term benefit starting either of them over Payton.

As the point guard goes, so does everyone else. Payton’s consistent play will impact the success and development for Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Issac.

Coming out of college, Payton was highly regarded as a lengthy guard with defensive abilities that would immediately be able to impact the NBA. The Magic have yet to see Payton consistently play as an elite perimeter defender. Payton has plenty of opportunities to improve his game and the ability to do so, particularly on this end.

He just has to carry over the confidence that turned him into a stat-producing machine after the All-Star Break.