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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
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 4: Elfrid Payton #4 of the Orlando Magic pauses on the court during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on April 4, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Frank Vogel and Elfrid Payton’s Development

Frank Vogel was praised for his ability to develop young players when the Orlando Magic first hired him last summer. It is time for him to put in work with Payton and get the most out of him as a player.

The Magic falling back to veteran point guards like D.J. Augustin or Shelvin Mack instead of playing Elfrid Payton as the starter (with starter minutes) would be a major setback. Yet, this is exactly what happened for stretches last season as Payton came off the bench for 24 games last year in favor of Augustin.

The Magic need to accept where they are in their rebuild and allow their young players to grow and develop an identity with the team.

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Toward the end of last season, Payton showed the type of offense he can flourish in. Demoting Payton to the bench or not consistently making him the starter will impact his confidence as a player.

Since Payton was drafted, he has not had a consistent environment to allow him to develop and for him to have the franchise’s support. He has always been in and out of the lineup and that impacts his play.

Payton cannot go out on the court wondering if he misses a shot or tries to make a play if it will cost him minutes or eventually a contract. He needs to know he can go out, play, and if he makes a mistake it is all a part of the process. The lesson to be learned from making a mistake is to not to worry about playing time but to learn and grow from it.

The Magic may be ready to move on from Payton after this season. They may not be willing to make a heavy financial investment in him. If that is the case, it is understandable.

But, have a plan. If the Magic do not plan on re-signing Payton in the summer of 2018 they need to showcase him. Battling for the starting role with D.J. Augustin and Shelvin Mack is going to hurt his return.

Either way, Payton needs to be playing as the starter.