I'm interested to see if certain statistics can tell me if Elfrid Payton has improved. There's consensus that his rookie year was solid, landing him in the 2014 All-Rookie First Team. However he seemingly stagnated in his sophomore year; that is, there were no improvements in his game.

From watching the first 30 games, here are some of his stats.

• While his 3P% is down significantly (.234 vs .283 career), he's on career highs with his TS% (.500). Watching the games, I've had a thought that if he can't knock down those 3s, why doesn't he settle for the 16-23 jumpers instead? It's worth a point less, but he's averaging 40% from there. I suppose he's much better finishing inside, so there's no need. Makes me wonder what the issue is that he can shoot decently one step inside the line, but then it significantly drops off in a matter of 2-3 feet.
• His raw assist numbers have dropped slightly, but his turnover rate has dramatically improved (14.1 vs 18.2 career). Again, using the "eye test", seems like Elfrid is attempting to get his own more (stats say he is, but not by more) and that has resulted in less turnovers as he's more confident of beating his man and the bigger defender in the paint.
• I think there is improved decision making from him, but his efficiency has a long way to go (116th in the league)
• His ORtg is up to 104, his DRtg hovers around 107/8. He's not the lockdown defender he should be with his length and size.
• PER is up to the 'average' of 15, to 15.8.