Magic's Elfrid Payton named Eastern Conference's top rookie for January

Published Feb. 4, 2015 8:28 p.m. ET

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Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton has been named the NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for January. The announcement was made by the league Wednesday shortly before the Magic's game at San Antonio.

During January, Payton scored in double figures eight times, led the team in scoring once, in rebounding once and in assists 13 times. He also recorded new career highs in points (22 points on Jan. 16 vs. Memphis), assists (12 assists on Jan. 16 vs. Memphis) and rebounds (nine rebounds on Jan. 2 vs. Brooklyn). Payton also dished out 10 or more assists three times and notched two double-doubles.

Payton, the 10th overall selection in last year's draft, ranks first among rookies in assists (5.7), sixth in scoring (7.7), second in steals (1.45), ninth in rebounds (3.6), seventh in field-goal percentage (.411) and fourth in minutes (27.4).

Payton is only the sixth Magic player to ever be awarded the honor and the first since Victor Oladipo last February. Dennis Scott, Shaquille O'Neal, Penny Hardaway and Mike Miller are the others.

Minnesota's Andrew Wiggins was the winner of the award for the Western Conference.

You can follow Ken Hornack on Twitter @HornackFSFla or email him at khornack32176@gmail.com.