Most of the New York Knicks’ offseason talk revolved around trading for Mikal Bridges. The front office took the organization’s assists not for a superstar, but for a wing who didn’t make an All-Star team. The swap between Karl and Anthony Towns also dominated the headlines, although it only happened a few days before training camp.

New York made numerous free agent signings, including Precious Achiuwa. Fans were excited about this, especially after losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency. Achiuwa has yet to make his regular-season debut after suffering a hamstring strain in preseason. So far, Cam Payne has been the Knicks’ best signing of the offseason.

The team signed Payne to a one-year, $3.1 million contract in mid-July. Payne spent the 2023-24 season with the Bucks (47 games) and Sixers (31 games). He went from being New York’s opponent in the first round of the 2024 playoffs to becoming a Knick.

Payne has played a bigger role than expected with Landry Shamet out with a dislocated shoulder and Miles McBride missing some games with a knee injury. The veteran guard’s early returns have been positive. Payne is averaging 8.6 points, 3.6 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game while shooting 43.6% from the field and 43.9% from three.

New York’s depth is thin, making Payne’s presence more important. He brings the spark off the bench that the Knicks need. He’s the annoying defender that opposing teams hate to play against, but you love having him on your team.

Payne has one of the most interesting shots in the NBA, but he isn’t as effective in New York anymore. His three-point percentage is the highest since the 2020-21 season in Phoenix (44%).

The Knicks were intrigued by Payne’s playoff experience, which should be particularly helpful in April. A bonus is that it fits seamlessly into New York. He plays well and has fun doing it (there is no such thing). to have fun, as you can see below).

It’s still early in the season, but signing Payne appears to be a steal for the Knicks. Fans initially expected him to be nothing more than a backup point guard who would begin the season out of the rotation. It turned out he was much more than that.