NBA Draft: Looking at Recent Players Selected With 10th Overall Pick
By Wes Goldberg
2014: Elfrid Payton, PG, Orlando Magic
Apr 10, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives to the basket against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Amway Center. Toronto Raptors defeated the Orlando Magic 101-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Elfrid Payton came into the league as a lengthy defender, penetrator and raw shooter out of Louisiana-Lafayette. In his first season with the Orlando Magic, he was just that.
Payton and his feisty hands averaged 1.7 steals per game, tied for top-12 in the league. His ability to steal the ball and lead fast breaks in transition is a skill Chris Paul has made a living with.
As good as he can be on defense, he has a ways to go on offense. Payton had the third-worst true shooting percentage on the Magic (45.6 percent), according to NBA.com statistics. As we’ve seen with Rajon Rondo, the NBA doesn’t have much room for point guards who can’t shoot, no matter how elite they are in other areas.