Cam Payne Takes a Leap into Europe with Partizan Belgrade
On December 23, Cam Payne made headlines by officially signing with Partizan Belgrade in the EuroLeague. This surprising move comes after weeks of waiting for an NBA opportunity that never materialized. Following a tumultuous season as a backup to Jalen Brunson with the New York Knicks, Payne’s decision to head overseas marks a new chapter in his career.
A Season of Ups and Downs
During his stint with the Knicks, Payne averaged 6.9 points and 2.8 assists across 72 games, logging about 15.1 minutes per contest. This performance placed him as the seventh-highest scorer on the team. His time in New York was a rollercoaster, characterized by high-profile moments and frustrating inconsistencies. Notably, in Game 1 of the opening round against the Detroit Pistons, Payne delivered a memorable performance. He scored 11 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, finishing the game with a game-high plus-minus of +23 in just 15 minutes of play.
The Struggles of a Journeyman
While Payne had his standout moments, his overall contribution was seen as modest. Throughout the regular season, he served primarily as an innings eater, providing relief during crucial stretches. However, during the Knicks’ Conference Finals matchup against the Indiana Pacers, Payne’s role diminished as head coach Tom Thibodeau opted to insert Landry Shamet and Delon Wright into the rotation. This shift highlighted the struggles of the Knicks’ second unit, which averaged just 21.7 points per game—the lowest in the league—despite the team’s impressive 51-31 record.
In the backdrop of Payne’s decline in playing time was rookie Tyler Kolek, who had a limited role during the season. Playing fewer than 300 minutes, Kolek was often used in garbage time situations, earning the nickname of a “human victory cigar.” However, on Christmas Day, he unexpectedly stepped up to save the day for Knicks fans. Kolek scored 11 of his 16 points during a remarkable fourth-quarter rally, helping New York erase a 17-point deficit—the largest comeback in a Christmas Day game since the play-by-play era began.
A Bold New Direction
With his move to Partizan Belgrade, Payne embarks on an exciting journey in European basketball, a significant shift from the NBA landscape. The decision reflects not only the competitive nature of professional basketball but also the resilience required to adapt in an ever-changing environment. As he transitions to this new chapter, Payne will undoubtedly look to carve out a fresh identity and showcase his skills on an international stage.
