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Retrospective: Where does Elfrid Payton rank in All-time Magic point guards?

By Brett David Roberts

Apr 15, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives against Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams (8) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Brooklyn Nets won 101-88. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives against Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams (8) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Brooklyn Nets won 101-88. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 10, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) points from the court against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) points from the court against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

6) Elfrid Payton

Ah, Elfrid, we were wondering when you would show up.

Elfrid Payton became historically good in his rookie season. Payton strung together back-to-back triple doubles, the second of which was done by throughly dominating Portland’s All-Star point guard Damian Lillard.

At his best during the 2015 season, it was clear Payton could be even legendary.

His small body of work keeps him from cracking the top-five in history, obviously. However, he is the only Magic player to record consecutive triple doubles and the only rookie in team history with multiple triple doubles, and, other than a horrendous jumper, has all the makings of a premier NBA point guard. His court vision, leadership, and his humility, are all not teachable traits.

Payton is a special talent and Magic general manager Rob Hennigan gets the credit for mining him out of a draft not saturated with talent.

The No. 10 selection, Payton, is considered in the top-three of that class, with the two studs Jabari Parker and Andrew Wiggins the only ones whose upsides are higher.

Next: 5. Jameer Nelson