Orlando Magic

Elfrid Payton 'looking forward to growing' his game after successful rookie year

Published Apr. 24, 2015 2:35 p.m. ET

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The light you see shining from central Florida is the beacon of hope in the Orlando Magic backcourt. What started in 2013-14 with the addition and emergence of Victor Oladipo has grown exponentially thanks to Elfrid Payton, who threatened to overtake Anfernee Hardaway this season for the Magic's franchise record for most assists by a rookie.

When your only company and comparison as a first-year player is Penny, you know you're doing something right. And Payton proved durable as a rookie, becoming the first Orlando rookie to appear in all 82 games.

But Payton, like any great rookie, isn't satisfied. "I think I can get a lot better and that’s my goal this summer,’’ he told the Magic's official team site. "I’m looking forward to growing my game. I’ve got to become a better student of the game, work on my jump shot and become the leader that this team needs me to be."

(h/t NBA.com)

Photo Credit: Kim Klement/USA Today Sports