Orlando Magic: 5 Reasons To Worry About The Future
By Luke Duffy
5. Is Their Backcourt Set For The Future?
Both Payton and Oladipo have begun their careers in a great way. Both had triple-doubles in their rookie campaigns, and together they could be the best defensive backcourt duo in the entire NBA in as little as three years. But, as was excellently highlighted by Zach Lowe recently, do they really work together for the long term?
Individually they both are great defenders. Payton has the ability to lead the league in assists in future, but he has a limited offensive game. Oladipo is crazy athletic, but still lacks a dependable three point shot. He does get to the basket often though. The point is though, in an era where three point shooting is at a premium, can their weird combination of getting baskets work for the long term?
It’s not a question that needs answering immediately, and both are still finding ways to help this team win. Both could also develop a three point shot (Oladipo looking the more likely in that regard). So it’s not an issue right now. But with some tantalizing point guard prospects available in the draft this summer, is this really what the Magic wants? Part of me hopes so, I love both of their games individually.
When mixed together though, there’s a chance it might not work forever.
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