Orlando Magic Daily
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Five promising statistics for the Orlando Magic in 2018

By Philip Rossman-Reich

The Orlando Magic's Aaron Gordon (00) dunks against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., on Friday, March 24, 2017. The Magic won, 115-87. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic's Aaron Gordon (00) dunks against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., on Friday, March 24, 2017. The Magic won, 115-87. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images) /
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Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies
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) /

Elfrid Payton’s stat line: 13.5/7.0/8.4/50.8%

There was a lot to digest when it came to Elfrid Payton last season. The Orlando Magic encouraged him to shoot more, especially when he was open, hoping a boost of confidence and an improved form could change his fortunes. It was almost required too with Serge Ibaka and Nikola Vucevic crowding the paint.

That did not work. In fact, the plan seemed to constrict Payton’s ability to get into the paint. His assists dropped and teams crowded Payton even more, daring him to shot. There was no space for him to take and close out.

That changed after the All-Star Break. Orlando put the ball in Payton’s hands and told him to go. Even in the half-court, the move to go smaller cleared the paint a bit for him to attack off pick and rolls. He could find himself in the paint a lot easier now, especially with how far defenses played off him. And the spark was lit to allow him to pass the ball more effectively.

The stats did not lie that Payton took to this style much more effectively.

His scoring stayed steady at 13.5 points per game. But his rebounding went up from 3.8 per game before the break to 7.0 per game after. Grabbing those boards helped him start the break much quicker.

More importantly, his assists increased from 5.7 per game before the break to 8.4 per game after. Payton took firm hold of the team and became its driving force and main creator. His better play made everyone else’s play better. It was amazing what a good point guard could do.

It was easy to get wrapped up in Payton’s triple-doubles. He had five of them from March to the end of the year. And his post-All-Star numbers put him in some elite company. Payton played at a high level.

The question is whether he can maintain it — especially that 50.2 percent field goal shooting — with his inconsistent jumper. And the other question is whether he can make good on his defensive potential to help the Magic take that next step.