Dec 11, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cameron Payne (22) participates in shooting drills prior to a game against the Boston Celtics at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Views from OKC: 2017 is a cursed year, but bring on the Rockets! by Tony Heim

The Oklahoma City Thunder are close to getting back second year guard Cameron Payne.

Cameron Payne returned to game action following an assignment to the Oklahoma City Blue in the D-League. He has hinted at Saturday, January 7 as a possible date for his 2016-17 NBA season debut.

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In his Oklahoma City Blue debut, Payne looked rusty. He finished with 14 points in 19 minutes on 5-of-19 shooting (1-of-10 from three), 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 rebound, and 1 turnover.

Cameron Payne’s rookie season did not offer a detailed look at his ability, as it was cut short by injury. Payne finished his rookie year averaging 12.2 minutes, shooting .410% from the field (.324% from 3) and 5.0 points. He played in 57 games. With extended sequences of playing time, Payne should be able to build on his rookie numbers.

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When he drives to the basket, Payne has the ability to blow by defenders. He is quick and decisive. Unlike most Thunder players, Payne does not need to rely on Westbrook to get a good look.

So how will the Thunder look different with the return of Cameron Payne?

The Thunder have had no choice but to rely on poor shooters through the first 35 games of the season.

Semaj Christon is shooting around 18% from three point land this season. Christon will see his minutes reduced with Payne’s return. Payne gives the Thunder an added weapon when defenses clog the lanes and force players not named Russell Westbrook to beat them. This will happen more and more as the season progresses, and especially in the playoffs.

Payne is not a savior for the Thunder’s shooting woes, but he will make defenders pay if they do not close out on him.

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What offensive improvements will Payne bring back into the rotation?

Below is a play Billy Donovan likes to run often to get a shooter open. This should pay off much more when the player designed to get the open shot does not shoot 18% from downtown. (Sorry, Semaj.)

Another area the Thunder can expect to improve will be ball movement and offensive efficiency. Payne is an all around smart passer, and is able to find the open shooter or feed the big men at the basket. It is extremely difficult to run a half-court offense if the initiators of plays are making lazy or bad passes like the Alex Abrines snafu below.

Payne is an upgrade at the back-up point guard position for the Thunder, though he may not hold that position for long.

Throughout the season, Payne has been mentioned in trade rumors. He may have been part of a deal with Sacramento back in the preseason if he had not become injured. If Sam Presti is still interested in Rudy Gay, or any other trade, Payne’s return will help boost his value.

The team has not confirmed whether Payne will indeed return on January 7. When he does, the Thunder will have an important bench player back and Westbrook will have his dance partner back.

Jan 7th it's gone be Lit! 😍 — Cameron Payne (@campayne) December 31, 2016

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