The Phoenix Suns made a significant upgrade at the point guard position this offseason, securing Tyus Jones and Monte Morris. Unlike last season’s struggles, when Devin Booker and Bradley Beal filled the role unevenly, Jones has already impressed and broken records in his debut. Former Suns player Cam Payne, now with the New York Knicks, has struggled to find success and has contributed minimally with inconsistent performances, highlighting the Suns’ decision to move on from him. Despite previous contributions to the playoffs, his recent stats have shown a decline, prompting speculation about his future in the league.
By the numbers
- Cam Payne averaged 6 points and 3 assists in just over 16 minutes per game with the Knicks.
- He started 10 games last season, split between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Yes, but
While Payne had pivotal playoff moments with the Suns, his current performances indicate a marked decline, suggesting nostalgia needn’t be a reason to revisit his past contributions. Some fans may still be holding on to the sentiment for Payne, but his struggles with the Knicks underscore the Suns’ forward momentum.
State of affairs
- The Suns benefit from the play of Tyus Jones and Monte Morris, transforming the dynamic of their backcourt.
- Payne has struggled with the Knicks, showing a noticeable dip in performance when Jalen Brunson isn’t on the court.
What’s next
The Suns will likely continue to thrive with their new point guard duo, while Payne’s future with the Knicks could be in jeopardy if his performance doesn’t improve this season. As other teams assess their roster needs, it will be interesting to see if Payne finds a more stable situation in the future.
In short
The Suns’ decision to part ways with Cam Payne is borne out by their current success at the point guard position. His declining play underlines the team’s wise investment in Jones and Morris, giving fans clear evidence they made the right choice.
