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

By Joe Buckley

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
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 /
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Reggie Jackson, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers
Dec 14, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) calls the play during the fourth quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers Clippers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Detroit Pistons 105-103 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Pistons- Reggie Jackson

Former Russell Westbrook backup Reggie Jackson has certainly enjoyed his first full season for the Pistons so far. While Brandon Jennings still recovers from injury, Jackson has taken full advantage of his opportunity.

The Pistons were a surprise team in the season’s first two weeks, and while they have cooled off, Jackson and counterpart Andre Drummond have done their job in making the league take notice.

Jackson is one of the best scorers at the point guard position in the Eastern Conference, averaging an even 20 points per game. He is fifth in assists among Eastern Conference point guards and has perfected a teardrop game, which he regularly uses to instead throw lobs to the monster that is Drummond.

In comparison to Payton, Jackson is easily the better scorer. Their field goal percentage is not massively different, but Jackson eclipses Payton’s 3-point and free-throw shooting.

Other than that, the two are very similar in rebounding and passing. Jackson does average more turnovers and the jury would basically all conclude Payton is the superior defender.

Next: A playoff-tested point guard