Cameron Payne’s impact with Oklahoma City

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On Thursday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder selected Murray State star point guard Cameron Payne with the 14th pick of the draft.

Payne was one of the more highly coveted guards of the draft, and the Thunder jumped on the opportunity. Payne was a sophomore at Murray State last season, and is currently 20-years-old.

Payne was dominant at Murray State, as he averaged 20 points and six rebounds per game in 2014.

He led the Murray State Racers to the NIT Tournament, where they were knocked out by a half-court buzzer beater by Trey Freeman of Old Dominion, which would have advanced the Racers to the Semifinals.

After the season, he was named the OVC Player of the Year and won the Lute Olson award. Payne would later go on to declare for the NBA draft.

The Thunder didn’t need to address the point guard position, as they have MVP finalist and reigning scoring title winner Russell Westbrook, who isn’t looking to give up the starting position anytime soon.

Last season, Westbrook averaged  28 points , seven rebounds, and almost nine rebounds per game. He led the way for the Thunder while Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka were out.

Even with Payne’s addition to Oklahoma City, it will not affect Westbrook’s starting duties. Westbrook played an average of almost 35 minutes per game, so Payne’s presence will give Westbrook time to recover and rest more often.

The Thunder traded away Reggie Jackson back at the trade dealine, and while D.J. Augustin was good, he was isn’t the long term answer.

Jackson was terrific backing up Russell Westbrook, and proved to be a steady, reliable point guard. Jackson’s absence was notable, and Augustin provided a temporary resolution. Augustin will still be an above average role player, and we could see him move around from shooting guard and point guard.

Payne will blend into the Thunder roster nicely this season, and provides a security blanket for the future. Russell Westbrook will be a free agent in two years, and if he bolts, Oklahoma City will still have a reliable player in Payne.

He will most likely fill the hole Reggie Jackson left, and I have no doubts that he will fit in nicely. At 6’2″, Payne can even play shooting guard while Augustin mans the offense when Westbrook rests.

However they use him, Payne will be a great player for Oklahoma City and was an excellent pick for the Thunder.

 

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