With their strongest starting five on the floor, the Philadelphia 76ers are a difficult opponent to match up against. However, over the course of the season, the franchise's secondary unit has struggled to make a positive impact when its number has been called. In recent games, this view has completely shifted due to the impressive performances of Cameron Payne, who has received little recognition.
The acquisition of Cam Payne from Partizan Belgrade was not the blockbuster trade that many Sixers fans had hoped for, but after allowing Jared McCain to depart the team to join the Oklahoma City Thunder in the dying days of the trade window, the 76ers were left with few promising options. Nevertheless, Payne boasted NBA experience as a rotational piece and has shown in the past that he can provide a scoring punch from the bench -- something Philadelphia has lacked.
Now, the 31-year-old is proving that his offensive prowess does yield a sense of consistency, which could be a major boost for the roster as the postseason rolls around.
Payne's scoring is becoming a vital part of the 76ers' game plan
Aside from Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia lacks a true difference-maker off the bench who can keep the scoring momentum going when stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey take a breather. It would be nigh on impossible to name a team in NBA history that has made a serious run in the playoffs without a deep roster. Impact players are pivotal, and that is exactly what Payne is becoming.
Throughout his career, Cam Payne has been known for racking up plenty of points from beyond the arc when he gets in a groove -- even with his unorthodox shooting form. His main issue has made this a consistent feature in his game.
Recent showings would suggest that making a positive contribution to the team is becoming a habit for Payne. Throughout the month of March, the Murray State alum has recorded 10.1 points and 3.3 assists per game, while shooting 37.8% from three-point range. In a 139-129 victory over the struggling Memphis Grizzlies, the veteran guard registered 32 points, 10 assists, two blocks, and three steals, while burying all eight of his three-point attempts.
Additionally, Payne has hit double-figures in scoring in each of his last three appearances for the 76ers, with 15 points being dropped in the team's most recent 157-137 victory over the Chicago Bulls on March 25.
It would be foolish to try to deny that the return of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey will be the defining factor in the franchise's postseason push. Nevertheless, Cameron Payne's consistent offensive performances will be pivotal when the star trio is not on the floor.