NBA rookie of the year over #1 pick Wiggins. I still think Wiggins wins it-

As the No. 10 pick in the draft, Payton came into the season with the reputation of a strong passer who could defend and rebound as a point guard. Payton leads his team in assist percentage (31.7) with backup point guard Luke Ridnour in second place with 21.7 percent. Defensively, Payton's 1.9 steals per 36 minutes also leads the Magic. He has the highest total rebound percentage of all wings and guards with over 500 minutes on the Magic at 7.8. Additionally, when Payton is on the court, the Magic score four more points per 100 possessions and allow one and a half fewer points per 100 possessions.

So, despite his poor but developing shooting, Payton has clearly had a major impact on his team, and that impact only looks more impressive when put in the context of other rookies.

The list of rookies with an assist percentage greater than 31 percent, steals per 36 minutes greater than 1.8 and total rebound percentage greater than 7.7 percent has four names on it -- including Payton. The three other players to hit those totals as rookies are Chris Paul, Jason Kidd and Nate McMillan. Paul and Kidd both won ROY honors. So not only has Payton's performance been impactful on his team, it is historically rare. Add in that Payton is the youngest player in that group and Payton-over-Wiggins for ROY is a clear choice.

And I heard Joe Kleine publicly state that Payton wasn't ready for the NBA before he was drafted as a lottery choice. So talent is obviously in the eyes of the beholder.