Elfrid Payton playing like a top-five point guard in the East

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Dec 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) dribbles the basketball up the court during the second half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

Elfrid Payton has had a strong start. Comparing him to other top point guards in the Eastern Conference reveals how well the Magic guard compares.

In today’s NBA, the point guards are king. The days of the bigs are gone, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James all had the wing, but now it is the point guard’s turn to reign.

After all, the reigning MVP is a point guard. And more and more teams hone in on making sure they have a point guard in place if they have any intention of competing seriously in the NBA.

Many talk about how, without an elite point guard, a team will go nowhere in this NBA environment.

It is with smiles and smug looks the Orlando Magic hear this, as they have one of the most promising in young Elfrid Payton.

Payton is just a sophomore, but made a name for himself last year recording two triple-doubles (he was the only rookie to record even one) and 11 games of more than 10 points and 10 assists (13th in the NBA and again, the most among rookies).

It seemed Orlando had stolen a gem in the draft, and that claim has only been supported so far this year.

After all, he leads the Magic in steals, assists and is often bestowed as the team’s engine, their motor. More than once this year it has been Payton’s defensive energy or insistence on getting to the rim that have turned a quarter or half around for the team.

So how does Payton compare to his peers around the league?

Next: Payton's numbers