Toronto Raptors: The full Cameron Payne scouting report
Role next season
Cameron Payne enters next season as the Toronto Raptors third-string point guard, a position that should receive at least spot minutes. Kyle Lowry has missed an average of 12 games per season over the past five years, so it’s not a stretch to believe Payne will be the number two guy for at least a handful of games.
Patrick McCaw spent some time at point last year, and the Summer isn’t over yet, so it’s not impossible for Toronto to find another third-string option. However, at this point, Payne certainly seems to be the guy.
Whether he’s able to crack the everyday rotation will largely depend on his play compared to some of the other guards on the roster. Nick Nurse certainly isn’t a stranger to dual point guard lineups, and if Payne plays well enough, he should find time. At the same time, there’s no sense of playing undersized if you aren’t compelled to get Payne into the game.
For now, it’s more likely than not Payne will only receive time if Lowry or Fred VanVleet is out. If he plays well during camp and in the preseason, that has the ability to change.
Cameron Payne is another second-draft gamble, similar to a couple of other additions by Masai earlier this offseason. He’s a low-risk, high-upside play, who the Raptors are hoping can benefit from their development team.
Payne has done little in his career to indicate that he can make it at an NBA level. However, with decision-makers like Sam Presti and Masai Ujiri believing in his skillset, it would be foolish to say he doesn’t have a chance.