Elfrid Payton, who garnered many Rajon Rondo comparisons, started off his NBA career somewhat disappointingly. In Payton’s first two months in the NBA he averaged almost 6 points, 6 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1 steal per game while shooting 34% from the floor. In the month of January, Payton put together close to 11 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals per game while shooting 45% from the floor. So what is it that the Magic rookie has figured out, and where can he still improve?
Attacking the Basket
In his first two months in the NBA, Elfrid Payton shot about seven times per game, making less than three of those shots. During the month, Payton shot almost 10 times per game and made almost five of those attempts. The reason is that Payton is becoming more aggressive off of pick and roll plays and attacking the rim.
Payton shoots 45.4% of his field goals at point blank range (0-3 feet) and converts on a solid 51.6% of those shots. With his relentless ability to find his way to the rim, defenders collapse on Payton, which opens up surrounding shooters, which is how Payton capitalizes on his 6-assist per night average in January.
Relentless Defense
Elfrid Payton is a pest on the defensive end. In January, ‘Frid would have ranked 7th in the NBA in steals just behind Chris Paul. Payton is 6’4″ with a 6’8″ wingspan. Combine his wingspan with the ability to anticipate where the ball is going to be and his non-stop motor, Payton is primed to be a great defensive player for years to come.
Shooting
Where Elfrid Payton can make the jump from a good NBA player to a great NBA player is to refine his jump shot. He’s only 20-years old so he’ll have plenty of time to work on that shot. Until Payton develops a consistent mid-range jump shot, defenders will continue to play under screens, daring him to shoot. If Payton can just add that mid-range shot, he’ll find that the game will come easier to him and he won’t have to force up as many shots at the rim.
Overall, give Elfrid Payton two years before he starts to be considered one of the best up-and-coming guards in the NBA. He has all of the tools; it’s just up to him to make it happen.
