Chicago Bulls guard Cameron Payne has an opportunity to prove himself

In the Chicago Bulls final stretch of the season, it appears as though Cameron Payne will finally get the chance to prove doubters wrong and show that he belongs in this league. 

It was reported earlier this week that Cameron Payne will serve as the primary backup point guard to Kris Dunn for the near future and possibly the remainder of the season.

Payne, who has been dealing with an injury, played three games with the Windy City Bulls G-League team. During those three games, he averaged 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Those seem like pretty good numbers on the surface. However, he struggled from the field and from three-point land. He shot a poor 42% on field goal attempts and an even worse 32% from beyond the arc.

Payne did manage to have an impressive 29 point game with the Windy City Bulls. He did this in only 24 minutes. Here are some highlights from the Cameron Payne show:

However, as we all know, the G-League is not the NBA, and those numbers won’t translate as easily as I’m sure he would like.

Cameron Payne’s opportunity 

Cameron Payne has been criticized for his lack of good play in recent years. Many have even made the observation that he probably doesn’t belong in the NBA.

Last night, against the Philadelphia 76ers, Payne finally got his opportunity to prove everyone wrong.

He didn’t exactly do that, though.

Payne scored 7 points to go along with 7 assists in 20 minutes of action. His efficiency was the real problem, though. Cam shot a poor 3-9 from the field and 1-5 from three. His shooting numbers will have to improve if he wants to remain on the Chicago Bulls’ roster – or in the NBA.

I’m cheering for Cameron Payne, though. He just has to play within his abilities and try not to do too much.

He also brings a good energy to the team. For example, everyone knows about his pre-game dance routines with Russell Westbrook in OKC. And let’s face it – that’s just some good clean fun that I want the Bulls to be a part of.

Check out some of Payne’s finest moments in the league (yes, these are all dancing highlights).

Maybe Lauri and Cam can make up some pre-game dances like this. Now THAT’S something I would love to see.

In all seriousness, Cameron Payne has a real opportunity to prove to the league that he at least belongs on an NBA roster. And yesterday wasn’t all bad, right?

Payne posted a plus/minus of +17 against the Thunder (the highest on the team). Sure, this stat is a little misleading as he likely wasn’t the main reason for that high plus/minus. But still, the numbers never lie. Last night, the Chicago Bulls were the best when Cameron Payne was on the floor.

Alright, that’s a stretch. But what can I say? I love the guy.

Payne also low-key had a nice assist-to-turnover ratio in only 20 minutes of play. He posted 7 assists to go along with only 2 turnovers.

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Cam Payne also undoubtedly has a chip on his shoulder from all the doubt surrounding him. He even tweeted this not-so-cryptic message on February 13th.

If Payne keeps getting the opportunity to serve as the primary backup point guard, he definitely has his chance to prove nearly everyone wrong. But will he? I guess we’ll have to watch and see.