There was a period of time last season when it seemed like Elfrid Payton was getting a triple-double every other game. I’m sure the frequency wasn’t that high, but that’s what it felt like to me, since I was the one who had to make all those damn highlight videos. This year, however, Payton has not yet grabbed double-digit rebounds in a game. His season-high in that category is eight.
Does Payton not realize that this is a contract year for him? He needs to get as many triple-doubles as possible, prove he’s a Westbrook-lite, to snag that big paycheck from some unwitting team whose collective thought process is dazzled by his pretty numbers. And if Magic teammates are STEALING rebounds from Payton, do they not realize that they need to allow Payton to get those rebounds in order to secure a juicy new contract? If I’m Bismack Biyombo, and I’m set money-wise for the next couple years, I let Payton grab all the rebounds he wants to. It’s just a common-sense goodwill gesture.
You know what? I bet D.J. Augustin is STEALING the rebounds away from Payton because he’s envious of Payton’s position as the Magic’s starting point guard. Him and Shelvin Mack. Serial rebound stealers, trying to sabotage their teammate instead of supporting him in his quest for the big bucks.