Chicago Bulls: Takeaways From Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott Trade

Nov 5, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is guarded by Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) and forward Doug McDermott (11) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeated Chicago 111-94. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 1, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cameron Payne (22) shoots the ball over Chicago Bulls forward Cristiano Felicio (6) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Cameron Payne

The Thunder selected Payne out of Murray State with the 14th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. During his sophomore season, he averaged 20.2 points and 6.0 assists per outing on shooting splits of .456/.377/.787 and was selected as the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year.

Fast forward to the present, and it is obvious that the success Payne enjoyed at Murray State has not exactly translated to the next level. In 20 appearances for the Thunder this season, Payne averaged an underwhelming 5.3 points and 2.0 assists in 16 minutes of action per contest. Additionally, he has an overall shooting percentage of 33 percent, including a 31 percent conversion rate from distance.

For the optimists out there, some of you may be tempted to say that he just needs more playing time in order to turn things around. After all, it is difficult to break into the rotation if you’re playing behind Russell Westbrook, right?

On the flip side of the coin, if you are a realist, you understand that the Bulls front office has added yet another point guard to the mix who struggles with hitting the outside shot.

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