Why the Suns Made the Right Move Ditching Point Guard Payne

The Phoenix Suns made a significant upgrade at the point guard position this offseason, securing Tyus Jones and Monte Morris. Unlike last season’s games where Devin Booker and Bradley Beal unevenly filled the role, Jones has already broken through and broken records in his debut. Former Suns player Cam Payne, now with the New York Knicks, has struggled to find success and contributes minimally with inconsistent performances, highlighting the Suns’ decision to move on from him. Despite past playoff contributions, his recent stats show a decline, prompting speculation about his future in the league.

By the numbers

• Cam Payne averaged 6 points and 3 assists in just over 16 minutes per game. game with the Knicks.
• He started 10 games last season split between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Yes, but

While Payne had critical playoff moments with the Suns, his current performance indicates a significant decline, suggesting nostalgia may not be a reason to revisit his past contributions. Some fans may still hold the sentiment for Payne, but his struggles with the Knicks highlight the Suns’ forward momentum.

In-game status

• The Suns are benefiting from the play of Tyus Jones and Monte Morris, transforming their backcourt dynamic.
• Payne is struggling with the Knicks, showing a noticeable drop in performance when Jalen Brunson is not on the court.

What’s next

The Suns will likely continue to thrive with their new point guard duo, while Payne’s future with the Knicks could be in jeopardy if his performances don’t improve this season. As other teams assess their roster needs, it will be interesting to see if Payne finds a more stable situation going forward.

Bottom line

The Suns’ decision to part ways with Cam Payne is vindicated by their current success at the point guard position. His declining play underscores the team’s wise investment in Jones and Morris, leaving fans with clear evidence that they made the right choice.