Perhaps no other NBA team, over the past six years, has had a more interesting relationship with its point guards than the Oklahoma City Thunder. Once they drafted Russell Westbrook to pair alongside Kevin Durant, there was a carousel of backups behind him.
From Eric Maynor, to Reggie Jackson, to James Harden, a others in between, the Thunder have constantly been looking for their perfect reserve point.
By drafting Murray State prodigy Cameron Payne last night, they may have found just that, while securing one of the best fits in the entire draft.
Payne fits the Thunder so well because of how different he is from Russell. Where Russell unleashes his ferocious athleticism in the open court, attacking the rim with no regard for human life, Payne is a headier player, relying more on his outside shot making and passing ability to be effective.
The differences in their game also make it possible to play the two together, with Russell sliding on defense to the shooting guard but having the ball in his hands on the other end, while Payne spots up on the outside.
This move also allows Payne time to develop under one of the most prolific guards in the league.
Russell will be taking up the bulk of the minutes, sure, but it is the example that he provides which will prove most valuable to a player like Payne. From the get go, he’ll get to mentor under someone who plays as hard, as passionate, as anyone else in the league, and has shown off the necessary work ethic to become one of the top few players at his position, in the world.
