NBA names Elfrid Payton the East's Rookie of the Month for January

The NBA announced Wednesday evening that Elfrid Payton won Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors for January.

The Orlando Magic point guard averaged 10.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.9 steals per game in that month. In addition, the Louisiana-Lafayette product tied or led for the Magic's assist lead in 13 of their 16 games, and led the team in scoring and in rebounding once apiece. He reached double-figure scoring eight times.

Payton joins Dennis Scott, Shaquille O`Neal, Anfernee Hardaway, Mike Miller, and Victor Oladipo among Magic players to win Player of the Month.

Among all rookies, Payton leads in assists (5.7 per game) and ranks second in steals (1.5).

Orlando acquired Payton's NBA Draft rights from the Philadelphia 76ers via trade.