4. Mid-Major Chip
Payne knew that other mid-major players who came before him were already proving they had the chops to play in the NBA. Leading up to the 2015 draft, the Murray State kid praised those who paved a similar path to the pros:
“[Damian] Lillard and [Elfrid] Payton set the foundation for mid-major players, also Steph Curry and George Hill. Now NBA teams are giving mid-major players a chance. I’m definitely inspired by Damian Lillard. He came from a mid-major like myself and took the NBA by storm. I feel like I can do the same thing.” – Cameron Payne
The mid-major label, plus the lack of attention coming out of high school, put a huge chip on Payne’s shoulder. He said as much two years ago before being drafted by OKC.
“I have a chip on my shoulder. I am never going to reach my limit. I will always have something to prove. To me, that’s the best attitude I can have. I’m never going to stop trying to get better. I definitely love my path because it’s going to make me a better player in the long run.” – Cameron Payne
Cameron likely still has that chip on his shoulder. After all, he’s barely been given a chance to showcase his skills in the NBA through 1.5 seasons. Between the foot injury and Russell Westbrook’s 35 minutes per game, Payne got lost in the shuffle. That’s why, despite how highly the Thunder valued him, their front office decided to let him go in the trade with Chicago.
Cameron will certainly bring that chip with him to the Bulls. He’ll have to prove himself in a crowded backcourt. Hoiberg said, following this trade, that the point guard who’s playing the best will get the most minutes down the stretch. Where will Cam stack up with Michael Carter-Williams, Jerian Grant, Denzel Valentine and Rondo?
That’s the big question.
But it’s not the biggest question…
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