Orlando Magic trade rumors 2016: New guards may be a problem for Elfrid Payton
With the recent arrivals of guards in the Orlando Magic roster, many are wondering whether Elfrid Payton may be on his way out of the team.
According to Hoops Habit, it may be an anxious state for Payton as the arrival of four guards in the Magic roster may signify that they are making some moves to replace him.
Jodie Meeks, DJ Augustin, CJ Watson and CJ Wilcox are now all with the Magic and with the players needing some minutes on the floor, many are left to wonder how much left will be there for Payton.
However, the report also argued that it seems the players are brought in to try and bring out the best for Payton in the long run.
Meeks is said to be a veteran presence and who will likely mentor Payton to develop into a more complete game. Given that Meeks is out due to surgery on his right foot, then that is very likely to be the case.
Meanwhile, Augustin will still be a great back-up choice for point guard when Payton has his down days. Augustin is used to coming off the bench so he will likely continue his role even with the Magic.
As for Watson, he was brought in to provide shooting for the Magic as he is a 38 percent shooter from beyond the arc.
That leaves Wilcox as the other new player that can possibly compete with Payton in the role.
Entering his third year in the league, Wilcox has not displayed the impressive numbers so far, but his performances in the D-League show that the 25-year-old can play. Averaging 17.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, his contribution is very welcomed by the Magic.
This will also give Payton the chance to step his game up and prove that he's the starting point guard for the team.
The Magic are poised to be a deep team in the coming years, and it is up to Payton to try and keep his job as the starting point guard.