Fansided

Selecting the NBA All-Rookie Team

By Brad Rowland

Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) at the end of the game at Target Center. Lakers defeated the Wolves 101-99 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) at the end of the game at Target Center. Lakers defeated the Wolves 101-99 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) runs into Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) while shooting during the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) runs into Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) while shooting during the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Guard – Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic

I am all in on Elfrid Payton.

The former Louisiana-Lafayette guard entered the NBA as a very raw talent, but Payton is already beginning to round into form and the numbers bear out that development. Since the All-Star break, Payton is averaging 12.0 points, 8.5 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game, and even on a full-season basis, he is stuffing the stat sheet to the tune of 6.4 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game from the point guard position.

If there is an area in which Payton has struggled, it is with his shooting, but that was expected. Payton was a lottery pick largely on his athleticism and future ceiling due to length and defensive projection, and to be honest, a 42.8% clip from the field isn’t as ugly as some may have thought. Orlando’s floor leader must add a consistent three-point shot in the future, but with comparisons to Rajon Rondo, Payton can get by without being a great shooter from deep.

Playing more than 30 minutes per game and appearing in every contest is impressive for a rookie, and given that Elfrid Payton has performed better in the second half, there is reason for real optimism in central Florida.

Next: Andrew Wiggins

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