Orlando Magic Daily
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The Six Orlando Magic stars with the most to prove in 2018

By Sam Skubala

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 11: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on March 11, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 11: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on March 11, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE 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

Years Experience: 3
Career Averages: 10.8 points, 6.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds

Recognized as a talented playmaker and hailed for his potential, Elfrid Payton still faces a very important season in 2018.

In his first three NBA seasons, Payton has struggled both as a shooter and a defender. Going forward, he will have to dramatically improve in at least one of these vital skills, especially if he wants to remain a starter in the NBA.

Payton brings a lot to the table. He is a triple-double threat, and he has improved in getting to the basket. When he plays well, the Orlando Magic tend to win.

Yet if the team is to improve, Payton will have to as well. Which makes this upcoming season all the more important — it could well be his make-or-break year with the Magic.

Payton is set to become a restricted free agent if he and the Magic do not come to a contract extension before the season begins. The Magic’s previous management went to bat for him and drafted him as the point guard of the future. The Magic’s current management group may not have that same affection or role in mind.

It is getting to be decision time for Payton. How he plays this year could go a long way toward determining which direction the Magic go with him in the summer and beyond.