Orlando Magic Daily
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Five questions for the 2017-18 Orlando Magic’s second quarter

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (2) goes for a basket against the Golden State Warriors at Amway Center Friday, Dec. 1, 2017. The Warriors beat the Magic 133-112.(Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images)
Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (2) goes for a basket against the Golden State Warriors at Amway Center Friday, Dec. 1, 2017. The Warriors beat the Magic 133-112.(Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images) /
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Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz
ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 18: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 18, 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) /

Will the Orlando Magic get consistency at point guard?

The storyline for the first quarter of the season had everything to do with the point guards. Elfrid Payton went out with a hamstring injury just two games into the season. D.J. Augustin followed him a few weeks later. And the season turned as Orlando’s point guard depth was stretched completely thin.

Meanwhile, all the questions about the team continued to grow and get asked.

To many, the Magic played better offensively with D.J. Augustin at point guard rather than Elfrid Payton. But the injury to Augustin seemingly knocked him off rhythm. And once the good vibes of that fast start faded, the Magic settled in somewhere.

And their point guard position was left in major flux.

It is still unclear just how where the Magic go at point guard. Payton is starting to get himself going again after struggling to get back into rhythm. He is averaging 10.8 points and 6.7 assists per game, both slightly below last year’s final numbers.

But in his last 10 games, he is averaging 12.3 points per game and 7.0 assists per game while shooting 51.0 percent from the field. Those numbers feel like good numbers for Payton and what he can do.

Of course, they are not translating to wins. And his defense has not gotten much better.

Augustin has performed well this year, bouncing back from last year’s disappointing outing. He is averaging 8.5 points per game and 3.4 assists per game. He is a much better 3-point shooter at 47.7 percent from beyond the arc. But it does not feel like anyone confuses him for a long-term starting point guard. Much less someone to build with long term.

The Magic, it seems, are still looking for some kind of short- or long-term answer at point guard.

Payton will still have the inside track to fill that role. Orlando should give him every opportunity to be “the guy” there. n all honesty,  is the Magic’s best option. But consistency has still eluded Payton, especially on defense. Whether he ends up getting an extension or a new deal next summer will likely depend on how much the Magic win with him at the helm.

That should be plenty of motivation to play well coming down the stretch.

Next: First Quarter MVP: Aaron Gordon

As Jeff Weltman and the front office make their evaluations, this will be something they watch carefully. And they may be ready to make their decision once this quarter of the season ends.