The Miami Heat need an electric lead guard capable of creating shots for himself and his team. Cameron Payne is that, both on the court and the dance floor.
Nicknamed, The Dancer, by Miami Heat Champion, NBA Legend, and current TV analyst, Shaquille O’Neal, Cameron Payne has had a very nomadic journey to get to this point. Coming out of nowhere it seems and before he was drafted after being prolific during his time at Murray State, a small school that has put quite a few players into the pro’s recently, he is where he is because of his relationship with his current head coach.
After being a first round pick of the Oklahoma City Thunder, he was traded during only his second season as a pro to the Chicago Bulls and has since traveled to China, with multiple G-League stints spritzed throughout. If not for a call from former coach, Monty Williams last season prior to NBA Bubble play, he might not be in this position.
Now though and fortunately for him, he is. After his performances in these playoffs, he is line for a nice raise and a bigger opportunity, if he wants it.
That seems to be the thing with Payne at the moment. He’s been an X-Factor for them in the playoffs and has stepped up huge, at times, when called upon.
In 20 minutes per game throughout these playoffs, he’s averaged 10.1 points per game, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 41.4 percent shooting from the field and 36.4 percent from deep. While those aren’t amazing numbers, as mentioned about when the opportunity is larger, so is the output.
Across his first playoff series this seasons against the Lakers, he put up double digit scoring in four of the six games and went for 29 points, nine dimes, two steals, two blocks, and a rebound in Game 2 against the Clippers while filling in as the starter for Chris Paul. If he is given the reigns, the rock, and the minutes, he can get some things done.
Not that the Miami Heat should open the vault but his desires, contract wise, should be explored. At the right number, he can definitely help.