NBA Awards Watch: Rookie Of The Year

Nov 3, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) controls the ball against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Rockets defeated the 76ers 104-93. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

8 of 12

5. Elfrid Payton – Orlando Magic/PG

Last Week: No. 9

Elfrid Payton really has some all-world quickness, doesn’t he? No matter what the challenge he faces, he keeps excelling for his Orlando Magic team. They are a relatively young team but Payton finds a way to stand out on the court against every point guard he’s faces.

Payton continually continues to set up his teammates. For the season he’s averaging seven assists per game. What’s neat about that stat is that Payton is only one of three players that have ever had seven or more assists in their first four career NBA games.

Payton joins Washington Wizards point guard John Wall and Hall of Fame point guard Oscar Robertson as the only other players to carry out this feat.

In addition, that defense that I spoke glowingly about, it’s starting to translate in the stat sheet. In Payton’s last two games, (against the Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls) he managed to combine for seven steals and two blocks. Though his Magic have a bad record at 1-4, they manage to keep losing games late in the fourth quarter.

After seeing Tobias Harris save the day, something tells me that they are starting to learn how to close out games, and start to win in the fourth.

Payton’s stat line on the year is pretty impressive. Currently he’s averaging 7.8 points, 7.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds per game and one steal.

Next: MARCUS SMART

Home/NBA News