I fully recognize that what I’m about to say will infuriate almost every Bulls fan. In fact, I hate myself for even thinking about it. With that made clear … should the Chicago Bulls sign Cam Payne?
To be clear, the chance of this happening probably sits at about 5 percent. Not only is the team overflowing with guards, but the front office isn’t going over the luxury tax. Simple as that. But we can still question whether or not signing him would actually be the smart thing to do.
The San Antonio Spurs are waiving veteran guard Cam Payne, sources tell ESPN. Payne recently arrived in trade from Suns and now gets a chance to join a contending team that can give him a bigger role. pic.twitter.com/cA13XSxp3j— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 11, 2023
Look, Cam Payne is a changed man. The once barely-playable guard completely reinvented himself with the Phoenix Suns. He averaged over 10.0 points per game in each of the past two seasons to go along with nearly 5.0 assists a night (he’s also averaged 14.9 points and 7.9 assists in his 21 starts over the past two seasons, per Statmuse). While he isn’t very efficient around the rim, he has at least proven to be a pretty consistent 3-point threat. Payne has shot 37.7 percent over the past three seasons on an average of 3.4 attempts per game.
So why did the Suns trade him? Well, they had a significant roster shake-up this offseason with the acquisition of Bradley Beal. Moving Cam Payne was a casualty of that decision, and front office leader James Jones practically said as much in an interview earlier this offseason. Jones also didn’t fail to credit Payne for his strong play the past few seasons. When the Suns needed to call his number, particularly in the thick of Chris Paul injuries, Payne almost always did an adequate job. And it’s why ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that he’ll will have a “significant market” of contending teams if he clears waivers.
When we look at what the Bulls need at the point guard position, Cam Payne makes some legitimate sense. Unlike Jevon Carter, Payne is the more proven distributor who’s grown used to setting up some high-level scorers. He also checks the box of being a decent 3-point shooter and can provide some solid length with his impressive six-foot-seven wingspan. Again, I don’t see this happening, but contending teams are expected to show interest in Payne for a reason. The guy has turned into a pretty stable backup point guard, and we all know the Bulls are looking for an answer there.
Of course, the other reason signing Cam Payne could make sense is that he was an expert Tank Commander! What if the Chicago Bulls sell off at the deadline? We need someone to lead the charge!
The Chicago Bulls will play their first preseason game in just 26 days! They’ll tip things off in Milwaukee before heading home to face the defending champion Denver Nuggets. I know I’m likely more excited than most about preseason basketball, but I do genuinely think it matters. Getting into game shape is important, and these five games provide an excellent opportunity for players to do just that.
Likewise, being able to test out lineups and rotations before the season gets underway is huge. This is especially true when you add in guys like Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig. Both will need substantial playing time, but where do they fit best over the course of 48 minutes? How does Carter look in the two spot and does Craig make any sense next to Patrick Williams? Billy Donovan will get to evaluate all of that.
Preseason is also a great opportunity for fringe rotation players to make an impression. We saw this with Javonte Green a couple of seasons ago. Ayo Dosunmu, Dalen Terry, Terry Taylor, and Julian Phillips will need to make the most out of these games to get on Donovan’s good side. Even if they don’t carve out a consistent role from the jump, you want to make sure that your name comes to mind first the moment the rotation needs a shake-up.
ICYMI: The Chicago Bulls added another name to the training camp roster this morning …
C/F Tristan Thompson is finalizing a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, CEO of Klutch Sports Rich Paul told @TheAthletic@Stadium. Thompson is set to return to Cleveland where he was part of 2016 NBA title, four Finals runs, now gives Cavs leadership and some frontcourt depth. pic.twitter.com/ayKEu3JOj1— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 11, 2023
You love to see some young blood making an impact.
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