Positional Power Rankings: 30 best point guards in the NBA

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Elfrid Payton

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Elfrid Payton contributes across multiple categories: his nightly averages of 12.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds are respectable. Standing 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-7 wingspan and good quickness, defense was thought to be Payton’s best attribute when the Magic selected him in the lottery in 2014. But despite possessing the tools to be a standout defender, he has only been average on that end thus far in his career.

The young floor general for the Magic would have been a better point guard in the 1980’s than he is presently. Though his 46.6 percent from the field is respectable, Payton’s 25.8 3-point percentage is his undoing as a point guard. He has managed to become a scoring threat with a high volume of his shots coming around the rim, but his status as a complete non-shooter hurts Orlando offensively. Defenses can duck under screens and pack the lane when he handles the ball, and that has been a major factor in Orlando ranking second to last in the league in offensive efficiency.

Payton joins Ricky Rubio in the sense that they are point guards that are a jump shot away from being really good players. Few point guards are capable of posting three triple-doubles in five games like Payton managed to do earlier this month, and he will find a role in this league despite his jump shot as a result. But with spacing and shooting being valued more than ever in the NBA, the Magic may select a new young point guard in this coming draft. If that happens and Payton is traded, he could benefit from a change of scenery if his talents are used right.