Jan 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) dribbles the ball past Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

There are many questions surrounding the Orlando Magic right now. Examining the relationship between Elfrid Payton and Scott Skiles is one worth exploring.

This week on 1080 the Team’s SportsTalk Florida Insiders Show, I had an extensive discussion with my co-host, Eric Lopez, about all things Orlando Magic. With the team at the midway point of the season and slowly slipping down the Eastern Conference standings, we discussed what the future of the team in 2016 looks like.

One of the main questions that emerged surrounded the relationship between head coach Scott Skiles and his point guard Elfrid Payton. Many coaches are hardest on the positions they played. With Skiles being a former point guard, he is no different.

Skiles has directed public criticism frequently toward Payton in sometimes overt and sometimes subtle ways. Especially on the defensive end where the second-year player has been expected to excel, that criticism has been mostly warranted.

It culminated Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks when Payton played only 24 minutes and none in the fourth quarter, benched in favor of Shabazz Napier.

Payton’s production has been inconsistent and Skiles is dealing with it harshly.

However some players respond well to that sort of motivation, while others do not. It is interesting to ponder what effect this management style might have on Payton.

At least in his conversations with the media, it seems Payton may be taking the recent slide harder than anyone else on the roster.

We discussed reasons this may be the case and if the Skiles-Payton partnership is a good one.

We also evaluated Skiles’ overall performance so far, how robust the trade market may or may not be for Orlando, and what the problems are in late game situations.

You can hear the SportsTalk Florida Insiders Show every Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on 1080 the Team Orlando.