Magic rookie Elfrid Payton named a replacement for Skills Challenge
Orlando Magic rookie point guard Elfrid Payton has been added to the NBA Skills Challenge, which takes place Saturday night as part of the All-Star weekend festivities.
Payton was already in New York because he and Magic teammate Victor Oladipo are playing for the U.S. team Friday night in the Rising Stars Challenge. Payton and Dennis Schroder of the Atlanta Hawks were added Thursday to the Skills Challenge because of injuries to two of the eight previously named participants.
The format for the competition calls for players to test their dribbling, passing, agility and shooting skills in a head-to-head, bracket-style format. Payton will face Hawks guard Jeff Teague in his first matchup.
The four winners will advance to the second round, where the two finalists will be determined. The field includes defending champion Trey Burke of the Utah Jazz.
Payton has averaged 7.9 points, 5.7 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 56 games for the Magic this season.
You can follow Ken Hornack on Twitter @HornackFSFla or email him at khornack32176@gmail.com.
