OKC Thunder: No longer dancing – Re-grading Cam Payne

What is the final verdict on the Cameron Payne draft pick?

Before we end this article, have you ever checked out Cam Payne’s basketball reference to see all his nicknames? As a life-long Oklahoman, and a Thunder fan since before we knew they would be dubbed the Thunder, I have never heard of these nicknames. The Campaign and Killa Cam.

Maybe it was a Murray State thing. So where is the “Killa” now? Well, he is playing overseas basketball after clinging to a pair of summer league tryouts with the Kings and Mavericks, even earning a training camp invite as recently as this year with the Toronto Raptors.

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Payne was having a successful 2019-20 campaign overseas. The baby faced point guard posted 22 points, six rebounds, and seven assists per contest. However, his poor efficiency still plagues him to this day.

While he is still just 25 years old it is hard to see Payne’s NBA career ever getting that jumpstart. He could carve out a successful overseas career which he has laid the foundation for this season.

As for his time in OKC, at least he gave us some memories. It is hard to not wonder where this team would be had Presti selected Kelly Oubre or even Terry Rozier in the 2015 draft. Instead, the Thunder selected a glorified cheerleader whose biggest accomplishment was getting traded for a couple of rentals.

The Final Re-Grade: D-

After all, He turned into Taj Gibson, Doug McBuckets, and Carmelo Anthony. It was not all bad. Plus, his dancing helps.