5 Chicago Bulls players with something to prove in the 2017-18 season

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HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL – MARCH 28: Cameron Payne #1 of the Windy City Bulls dribbles the ball against the Erie BayHawks on March 28, 2017 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by John L. Alexander/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Cameron Payne

It’s been an up-and-down start to Cameron Payne’s career. After being picked 14 overall in the 2015 draft, Payne was traded by the Oklahoma City Thunder half-way through his second season season. He didn’t play much in Oklahoma City, and that didn’t change in Chicago. He appeared in just 11 games last season and did little to make an impact.

Payne often looks overwhelmed on the court. In his limited time for the Bulls, he committed a turnover for nearly every assist he had, and shot just 33.3 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from 3-point range. At a hair over 6-feet, 185 pounds, he has a slight frame that makes him vulnerable defensively. All in all, he hasn’t brought much to the table.

So far, the highlight of Payne’s NBA career was his rookie summer league performance, when he averaged 18.8 points per game and was able to score in a variety of ways. Payne simply hasn’t looked as impressive against NBA competition as he has against opponents at either Murray State or in summer league. He needs to prove he can display his versatile scoring and feel for the game against the top competition.

It may be a case where Payne just needs time, and the Bulls have plenty of time. But Payne, going into his third year and final season of his contract before a team option, needs to show some development. He’ll be competing with Jerian Grant for the backup point guard position behind Kris Dunn.

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