Elfrid Payton Should Be Starting Point Guard For Orlando Magic

By Kareem Gantt on October 16, 2014

Elfrid Payton was projected to be the backup point guard for the Orlando Magic, but during the preseason, Payton has earned the right to be Orlando’s lead man.

Payton has shown that he has the NBA smarts to run a team. His slashing game is top notch, and his defensive skills are as good as advertised. In a lot of ways, it is wise for Orlando to start Payton. As good as Luke Ridnour is, there is a reason why he has spent the bulk of his career as a bench player, and on a young, athletic team as the Magic, Payton would be a tremendous fit.

Payton has the talent to be another Gary Payton. Gary began his NBA career the same way as Elfrid. Gary was a traditional point guard who focused on setting up his teammates rather than scoring.

Payton has displayed that he has the poise and the leadership skills to run an NBA team. Will there be road bumps? Of course. All rookies will eventually hit the rookie wall, and Payton will not be immune to it.

But it is important for the Magic’s future to start Payton now. He is going to be the starting point guard eventually, so Jacque Vaughn should go ahead and throw him in the fire right now. The only difference is that Payton will be more equipped at handling the pressures and the rigors of the big leagues.

On opening night, Payton should be the starting point guard.

Kareem Gantt is an NBA featured writer and covers the Orlando Magic for Rant Sports. For more from this author, ‘follow’ him on Twitter, ‘like’ him on Facebook, and ‘add’ him to your network on Google.