The excitement, the optimism, and the “I told you so” is real when it comes to rookie guard Cameron Payne and his future with Oklahoma City. It’s safe to say that he’s earned the backup point guard position. Nothing against D.J. Augustin, but this is good for the Thunder… A young point guard with a great skill set, playing behind only Russell Westbrook, who I think is the best point guard in the NBA.
There are a few perks of having Cameron Payne running the point behind just Russell Westbrook. In comparison to former backup D.J. Augustin.
Minutes
Augustin: 16 minutes per game.
Payne: 17 minutes per game.
Points
Augustin: 4.4 points per game.
Payne: 10 points per game.
Assists
Augustin: 1.9 assists per game.
Payne: 2.8 assists per game.
Those aren’t the only stats that prove why Cam beat D.J. out for the backup role. The second team has and will continue to look better with him in the lineup. In just five games he’s proving that the flow of offense runs better with him in. Plus, Dion Waiters doesn’t have to force shots like he’s done in the past, and I think he’s forced them because he’s had to. Augustin has had a problem creating quality shots for other players which in my opinion is one of the reasons why Dion (who is already shot happy) has been forced to create on his own, which about 65 percent of the time typically ends in ruins. Now he has the opportunity to get to his spot and look for Payne to dish to him.
Enes Kanter, Serge Ibaka, and Steven Adams also benefit from this lineup change.
Example one.
Example two.
The man is real out there. Can’t argue that point.
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