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NBA: Top 10 Players 21 And Under

By Colby Giacubeno

Nov 10, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) reacts as he looks on against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Amway Center. Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 120-116 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) reacts as he looks on against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Amway Center. Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 120-116 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Elfrid Payton (21 years, 11 months), Orlando Magic

2015-16 statistics: 11.2 PPG, 6.0 APG, 3.7 RPG, 14.27 PER

Elfrid Payton just makes the cut for this list, but there is no doubt that he is one of the rising stars at the stacked point guard position.

After a great rookie season that included gathering Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors last January, being named a participant in the Rising Stars Challenge, and recording two-consective triple-doubles (something that hasn’t been done since 1997), Payton headed into the 2015-16 season with high expectations.

The Orlando Magic was another team that managed to get off to an impressive start, but has since regressed especially since the new year. A large part of their slump in 2016 was because Payton had to be sidelined with an ankle injury.

Since his return, the Magic have struggled to close games out and have fallen to 20-22 overall. Payton made his presence felt once he returned from injury, just missing out on a triple double with 11 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds in his third game back. The Magic have a roster filled with youth and talent has potential to be a strong team in the East for years to come.

Next: No. 7