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NBA Awards Watch: Elfrid Payton Making Late R.O.Y Push

By DJoumbarey A. Moreau

Mar 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and guard Victor Oladipo (5) high five after he made a basket in the act of getting fouled against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and guard Victor Oladipo (5) high five after he made a basket in the act of getting fouled against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Zach LaVine (8) high fives small forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during overtime against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Timberwolves defeated the Knicks 95-92. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Zach LaVine (8) high fives small forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during overtime against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Timberwolves defeated the Knicks 95-92. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

In the last month our rookies have done a lot to narrow the gap that Andrew Wiggins created in the 2014 NBA Rookie of the Year award race.

Nikola Mirotic in particular is one of the rookies who has done a lot, and it’s because of the absence of Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose. Mirotic keeps putting up big efforts and once the playoffs begin he’s going to excel for the Chicago Bulls.

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Additionally, the rookie we have to talk about is none other than Elfrid Payton. Payton this week had another triple-double and he did it against Damian Lillard. Payton keeps playing well and if he manages to continue to play at this high level he could end up winning the award.

Also, another rookie we have to give some praise to is Zach LaVine. This week LaVine’s shooting has been on point and because of it he’s been playing like he deserves starters minutes.

At this point though Wiggins is going to have to do a little bit more if he wants to get back to his No. 1 spot because the way his competition is playing is insane.

With that being said let’s begin with our rankings.

Next: Honorable Mention