It’s clear the Knicks currently have depth issues, and while Payne hasn’t been spectacular off the bench, he’s proven to be a capable reserve guard for a team that desperately needs some firepower there.
Yes, he can be a bit of a chucker at times, but he’s still playing like a decent backup. Considering the Knicks got him for nothing in the offseason, that’s a quality addition.
I’d still like to see Thibs give Kolek more minutes, but having Payne isn’t the worst option. It allows the team to bring Kolek along slowly, and if Deuce or another guard gets hurt, you have a reliable bench player to soak up minutes.
TL;DR: The Knicks acquiring a mid-level backup like Payne at no cost is turning out to be a solid, under-the-radar move.
25 comments
He’s definitely had a few “no no no no YES” moments with that shot of his, but I’ve been really impressed by his effort on defense. Small sample size, but he’s got a positive defensive +/- so far, which is better than he’s had in recent years.
He is a backup point guard and a spark off the bench, he can light it up or straight up chuck but I have seen more positive than negative.
Plus he is just a wild guy always hyping people up, so after all is said and done I definitely think it was a solid pick up.
He is what we lack last season from the bench, someone who could drive and kick the ball out to 3pt shooter.
And he is very active in both offense and defense, not just standing around waiting for the ball. Constantly moving.
It works. He can defend enough, can run a functional PnR, and can serve as a sparkplug.
The nice thing is if he’s playing like butt when games start to matter, there are multiple alternatives to running him out there.
hurripayne
His bench energy and overall vibe is excellent…. I always notice he’s the first dude celebrating on the sideline when one of his teammates does something good on the court?m.
I don’t dislike his three-point shooting either and he’s pretty confident. He’s a good slasher too.
I really do like the pick up now… at first I was indifferent
Agreed. And I think a player like Cam helps with Koleks development. We can put Kolek in the game for five minutes, take him out, and show him all the little things a vet backup pg would do instead – all without the New York media blaming a rookie for us not being a championship team. It takes a ton of pressure off imo. Plus Cam is here on a 1 year so it’s not like we don’t believe in Tyler
Hated him last year when he played against us.
Love him now
It really be like that.
I’d rather his minutes be going to Kolek or the Pac Daddy
He’s been good but man, there’s not a shot that Cam will not take.
been impressed with his minutes.. liking what i see bc i was a hater before the season saying he was worse than burks
I like the energy Cam Payne brings to the team. He runs the offense pretty well when Brunsons sitting. Kolek is gonna get his shine but he’s a rook, let him learn from the vets.
Definitely a great pickup, love the way dude plays
He is an insane chucker who if he goes 5-8, he is brilliant. If he goes 3-11 from the field, he is tolerable.
When he goes 1-10 from the field, he deserves to be cut lol.
You need someone with that mentality at times but watching it every night is exhausting
6 assists off the bench, yeah he chucks but he’s usually playing with our bench guys/rookies and they tend to be more passive
I don’t mind that he’s trigger-happy. Sometimes you need a guy who doesn’t think before he shoots.
He also just seems like a good vet mentor. He’s constantly cheering on his teammates which is great for growth for the younger dudes.
I like him, but if he played too much I’d hate him. Missing deuce.
I hate watching him play. But he’s been solid and we’ve needed his minutes so I can’t complain.
i know his shot selection can be iffy at times, but i think the pace and energy he brings is so valuable. hes really good at getting the ball up quick, getting the defense on their toes bc of it, and on the other end hes just pesky
He’s gonna be a playoff spark kinda guy. TJ McConnell type guy.
He and Deuce are an excellent backup backcourt
He’s simply got the ugliest shot, but how the fuck it goes in you have to hand it to the basketball gods.
He’s been very solid. Quick on the break and only been taking the shot when he’s open. I’m def happy with his minutes so far…
I agree with this take completely. When he has the ball I get slightly nervous but he’s been stepping it up! And making some big shots, helping on defense.