In this engaging talk, Cam Payne, a New York Knicks player, reflects on his unconventional basketball journey. He shares the challenges he faced during his time in China, where he not only honed his skills but also developed a fast-paced playing style. Payne discusses the tough choices between playing overseas and in the G League, and how he navigated the NBA bubble's emotional rollercoaster. He emphasizes the importance of making the most of limited court time and the role of teammates in achieving success.
Cam Payne's stint in China highlighted the unpredictability of basketball overseas and the challenges of limited playtime and resources.
Transitioning from setbacks to opportunities, Payne emphasized resilience and proactive training as essential for success in the competitive NBA landscape.
Deep dives
The Journey to Playing Overseas
Transitioning from the NBA to playing overseas can be challenging, as illustrated by the speaker's experience in China. After being cut from a training camp in Toronto, he faced the tough decision of either joining the G League to stay close to family or pursuing a lucrative opportunity overseas. He opted for the latter, believing it would be easier to maintain his professional status while earning similar NBA-level compensation. However, upon arrival, he found himself sitting on the bench for a month, watching his replacement achieve remarkable game statistics, showcasing the unpredictability and competitiveness of the overseas basketball landscape.
Adjusting to the Unique Rules of Chinese Basketball
The speaker described the unique playing regulations in China that create a different basketball dynamic. In games, only two foreign players could be on the court at the same time, leading to strategic rotations that often left him on the sidelines during crucial moments. His limited playtime, combined with insufficient training resources, made it difficult to showcase his skills, culminating in a frustrating experience of only participating in two games. These challenges reinforced his commitment to a team-oriented mindset, contrasting with the individual scoring focus prevalent in the league.
Finding Opportunity Amid Adversity
Following his stint in China, the speaker faced another setback when he learned he wouldn't be picked up for the NBA bubble. Nevertheless, a call from Oklahoma City Thunder's coach motivated him to stay focused and hone his skills while training in Phoenix. This proactive approach positioned him to showcase his abilities during workouts, ultimately leading to his selection for the bubble games. The experience reinforced his resilience and commitment to winning, shaping his mindset as he adapted to the challenges of professional basketball.
Listen to this excerpt from our recent episode with New York Knick teammate Cam Payne as he recounts his career journey. He discusses his unexpected stint in China, where he faced unique challenges and ultimately found the experience beneficial. Payne credits the adversity he faced with shaping his fast-paced playing style.
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