NBA Awards Watch: Watch Out A. Wiggins, Because Here Comes Elfrid Payton
2. Elfrid Payton – Orlando Magic/PG
Last Week: No. 6
The Orlando Magic has made a lot of franchises look foolish for passing up on Elfrid Payton. When the Magic made sure that they traded for the player who the Philadelphia 76ers drafted with the 10th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, they arguably came up with a huge steal and because of their gamble, Payton has made the Magic look very intelligent.
Payton had the best game of his career when he played against the Memphis Grizzlies going for 22 points on 9-for-16 shooting, four rebounds, 12 assists and two steals.
Payton was an absolute bully as he kept taking the Grizzlies point guard Beno Udrih off the dribble anytime Payton use the pick and roll. Payton used the pick and roll so he could get into the paint and the game plan worked. Once Payton got inside of the painted area he was hitting jump shots off of one leg, he was shooting floaters and he was getting to the free throw line.
In addition during the week Payton followed up his magical night with another great game when he played against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Payton finished with a stat line of 19 points on 9-for-17 shooting, four rebounds, eight assists and three steals.
Next: 1. Andrew Wiggins