Critical Decision for the New York Knicks
The New York Knicks face a pivotal decision this offseason regarding their unrestricted free agent, experienced point guard Cam Payne. After signing a one-year veteran minimum deal last summer, Payne secured the backup point guard position in a competitive preseason, despite the presence of promising talents such as Miles McBride and draftee Tyler Kolek.
Performance Overview
Known for his quick energy and steady ball-handling, Payne has carved out a niche as a dependable reserve. His offensive stats reflect a player capable of lending a helping hand off the bench, averaging 6.9 points and 2.8 assists while shooting 45.3% from two-point range and 36.3% from beyond the arc in about 15 minutes of play per game. His positive impact on the team’s performance can be seen in his on/off splits, benefiting significantly from effective bench units, including standout Karl-Anthony Towns.
In a notable stretch during November, he posted six double-digit scoring games over seven outings, contributing significantly to a 4-1 record when pressed into a starting role due to injuries or end-of-season resting strategies.
Playoff Highlights and Struggles
A highlight for Payne came in the first game against the Detroit Pistons in the playoffs, where his crucial 14-point performance helped spark a significant comeback, leading to a 21-0 run that gave the Knicks early control in the series.
However, these moments were rare within a season marked by inconsistency. Defensively, he struggled considerably, leading to reduced minutes as the season progressed. Often, he found himself riding the bench during critical second halves, especially when his shooting was off-target enough to raise concerns about his reliability.
Future Considerations
Despite challenges, former Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau kept Payne in the rotation, even after the acquisition of Delon Wright at the trade deadline and the emergence of Kolek. As the playoffs rolled in, the Knicks faced mounting pressure after falling behind 0-2 to Indiana. At that point, Payne’s shooting efficiency had dipped to a mere 23.8% from three-point range, accompanied by a troubling -30 plus-minus rating, apart from his Game 1 performance.
Looking ahead, the potential hiring of a new coach may influence Payne’s fate. If he remains with the team, a coaching change could allow him a more situational role rather than a primary option—a shift that could benefit both him and the franchise. Given the abundance of smaller, scoring-focused point guards available, Payne may not find lucrative offers elsewhere.
Possible Outcomes
If he does not secure a better deal, re-signing him to another veteran minimum might be a viable option for the Knicks. His role could be limited to a backup, stepping in only when absolutely necessary. In this capacity, Payne could act as a supportive presence on the bench, contributing to team chemistry and stepping up in emergencies, similar to Ryan Arcidiacono.
Ultimately, whether the Knicks choose to offer Payne a new contract may hinge greatly on their strategic vision moving forward and how they wish to structure their point guard dynamic for the upcoming season.
