Elfrid Payton playing like a top-five point guard in the East
By Joe Buckley
Where does Payton rank?
So in conclusion, Payton is close to the top.
Yes, the four listed here are bigger scorers, but it should be noted that all aside from Teague are first options for their teams (Jackson could be listed with 1A with Drummond on the team) as many have similar shooting percentages to Payton.
The main knock on Payton is on his jumper. While he is a far cry away from a deadly shooter, his mechanics continue to improve. And his free-throw and 3-point percentages have already risen substantially from his rookie season.
All things considered, it is not without foundation to claim Payton is a top-five point guard in the Eastern Conference.
What is really amazing is his age. Payton is just 21, and in his second year. The closest to him from above are Reggie Jackson and John Wall, both of whom are 25.
Most importantly though, is not where Payton comes in a rankings list, but his effect on the Magic. He really does set the tone for the rest of the team defensively and in pure effort. His ability to get into the paint and dish out the ball is huge for the Magic offense.
And the difference is clear when he sits.
Next: Orlando Magic ready to snap All-Star drought?
Watching Payton is a joy if you are a fan of good passing and a passion to win. He has a huge upside that the Magic are going to want to be a part of in the future, not to mention how important he is and will be for the remainder of the season.