BELGRADE — A former Phoenix Suns guard who was part of the team’s NBA Finals run made his first EuroLeague appearance over the weekend.
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Jun 20, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne reacts against the Los Angeles Clippers during game one of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Cameron Payne did more than just help Partizan in Serbia, bringing some of his NBA success overseas. He finished with a team-high 15 points and six assists and made four 3-pointers.
The performance was impressive and raised an important question: Should Payne still be in the NBA?
Payne’s career has been defined by ups and downs. He was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2015, struggled early in his career and spent time overseas while bouncing between NBA teams. He later emerged as a reliable rotation guard with the Suns, providing speed and defensive pressure off the bench.
Cam Payne in his EuroLeague debut for Serbia’s Partizan 🔥
15 points (team-high)
6 assists
4 3PM pic.twitter.com/FDnfficcmU— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) December 27, 2025
During his time in Phoenix, Payne averaged 9.8 points, 4.2 assists and 2.6 rebounds. During the Suns’ playoff run, he stepped up when Chris Paul was injured, scoring a career-high 29 points with nine assists in a crucial Game 2 Western Conference Finals victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Shifting priorities led to Payne being traded in 2023. He played for three teams over the next few seasons before being waived by the New York Knicks in 2025 and once again heading overseas.
Oct 17, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Cameron Payne (15) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward David Jones Garcia (25) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Payne had begun carving out a role as a pivotal bench player capable of delivering in key moments before leaving Phoenix. That role gradually diminished, but his strong EuroLeague debut could signal that he still has something left to offer.
With playoff experience on his resume and continuing to grind wherever he plays, Payne could retake his 2021 form for any team that is willing to take a chance on him.
May 29, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Cameron Payne (1) warms up before game five against the Indiana Pacers in the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Only time will tell, but if Payne continues to perform at a high level, a return to the NBA — or the Suns — may still be possible.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
