Cameron Payne eyed as Partizan’s replacement for Carlik Jones
Cameron Payne emerges as Partizan’s top target
Partizan Belgrade is on the hunt for a point guard after Carlik Jones suffered a serious injury, and reports say the club has its eye on veteran guard Cameron Payne. The interest surfaced after Payne spent time at the Indiana Pacers’ training camp and began exploring options in Europe.
With Jones sidelined, Partizan needs someone who can step into the backcourt quickly. The club has already addressed the frontcourt by signing Bruno Fernando through the summer of 2027, so bringing in an experienced ballhandler makes sense as they try to maintain their competitive level this season.
Experience and fit: what Payne brings
Payne is a well-traveled guard who entered the NBA in 2015 as the 14th overall pick. He has played for several teams over his career, including stints with Oklahoma City, Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and most recently New York.
His best statistical season came in 2021/22 with Phoenix, when he averaged around 10.8 points, 4.9 assists and 3 rebounds per game. Last season he played limited minutes with New York, averaging roughly 15 minutes, 6.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest. Payne’s scoring punch, floor spacing and experience running an offense are traits that could be valuable for Partizan while they navigate Jones’ absence.
It remains to be seen whether Payne will commit to a EuroLeague move, but his familiarity with the NBA and recent availability make him a logical candidate for teams seeking a steady veteran presence at the point.
