The New York Knicks have a plethora of issues to work on after their greatest postseason run in 25 years.
Whereas many anticipated the Knicks to succeed in at the very least the 2025 NBA Finals, the workforce have been handed a 4-2 Japanese Convention Finals loss by the Indiana Pacers.
Because of this, the workforce’s journey got here to an finish. Though coach Tom Thibodeau grew to become the bearer of blame for the group and ended up being fired, he alone wasn’t at fault.
Both approach, followers count on the franchise to make a surprising comeback subsequent season. Nevertheless, it feels just like the Knicks will try this with out veteran guard Cameron Payne on the roster.
The Knicks might not have gained an NBA Championship since 1973, however taking part in for the franchise nonetheless stays a dream for a lot of.
In spite of everything, the expertise of being in Madison Sq. Backyard and taking part in basketball in entrance of hundreds of passionate followers is not any small deal.
Veteran guard Cam Payne earned that chance throughout the 2024-25 NBA season. The 30-year-old not too long ago shared an Instagram message to his followers following the Knicks’ playoff exit.
“12 months 10!! Didn’t finish how we needed however MAN we had an amazing run! By no means thought I’d be taking part in within the Backyard for the Knicks in my profession however the world works in mysterious methods,” Payne wrote.
He added: “I couldn’t be extra grateful to be on this workforce with this group of fellows! Top-of-the-line followers and greatest cities I’ve been part of! Thanks Knicks Followers it was rocking all 12 months.”
Payne might have spent only a single season with the Knicks, however he appeared extraordinarily grateful to be part of the enduring NBA franchise.
In his sole season with the workforce, Payne averaged 6.9 factors, 1.4 rebounds, and a pair of.8 assists per sport in 72 appearances. He did so whereas averaging 15.1 minutes per sport.
Nevertheless, Payne’s taking part in time was drastically lowered to only 7.3 minutes per sport come playoff time. Evidently, he averaged a a lot worse 2.1 factors, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per sport within the postseason.
As for what’s subsequent for him, Payne’s one-year, $3.0 million deal has expired as he’s set to change into an unrestricted free agent. Contemplating his taking part in time subject is likely to be solved now that coach Thibodeau was fired, Payne might return to the Knicks on one other deal.
In any other case, Payne will doubtless discover a new house sooner slightly than later, as he’s nonetheless a superb backup guard.
