Every season, there are high points and moments of adversity, and there’s no way to predict which will come when. Unfortunately for the Thunder, the team was dealt with a round of misfortune right out of the gates, as the team learned that second year point guard Cameron Payne suffered an acute fracture of his fifth metatarsal in his right foot. The injury occurred because of an impact during the Blue and White Scrimmage on Tuesday night. Payne will be evaluated and see specialists over the coming days in order to determine his timetable for recovery and return to the court.
“I feel bad for Cameron or any player who gets hurt and has to sit out,” Head Coach Billy Donovan said. “He’s in great hands here and his spirits seem to be pretty good. Through training camp now we can help him find some ways where he can think of things that he can get better at or improve by watching tape or watching practice. Anytime somebody gets hurt and doesn’t get a chance to do something they love, you always feel bad about that.”
Here’s the rest of what was said at U.S. Cellular Thunder Training Camp on Thursday:
- This was the first chance to chat with Donovan about the Blue and White Scrimmage as a whole, and he came away from the event as he expected. He believes there is a connection and chemistry with the team that is being developed and that because of the quality of people and players on the roster, that the cohesion will keep growing with time. As the players get to know each other on and off the floor better, they’ll be able to understand how to help one another succeed.
- One of the players who stood out to Donovan in the scrimmage was Andre Roberson, who finished with six assists and four steals. The fourth-year shooting guard has spent the summer working on his ball-handling, and it showed off as he attacked off of side-pick-and-rolls and led fast break opportunities. After last season’s Western Conference Finals breakout performance, Roberson is playing with more confidence on the offensive end of the floor.
- Another player who caught fans’ attention on Tuesday night was Domantas Sabonis, who is going by the nickname Domas around the practice facility. Donovan on the rookie big man: “Domas is a high IQ player. He’s tough, he’s physical and has a good understanding of how to play the game. There are different things that he can do that can make the game easier for other players out there. As long as he keeps the attitude that he has and continues to work like he’s working I think he’s going to continue to grow and develop.”
- Steven Adams expressed grief for his teammate Payne when asked about the injury, but ensured that the ever-jovial guard was in good spirits. He also noted the depth and the way the Thunder roster has been built will aid the team in Payne’s absence.
- Adams on veteran point guard Ronnie Price: “Ronnie is exactly what we need. He’s one of those old school nutcase type of dudes. He’s an absolute hard head. He works so hard defensively and he’s aggressive. He reminds me of Russ. Not as crazy as Russ, but that killer instinct mentality, it’s the same.”
- Russell Westbrook will of course handle a large share of the ball-handling role this season, but with Payne’s injury Donovan was asked who might shoulder more of the load in terms of initiating offense or creating. There are plenty of options, from Price to Roberson to Semaj Christon, but Donovan also highlighted Victor Oladipo: “He’s used to having the ball in his hands, he’s used to being a playmaker,” Donovan said of the fourth-year combo guard. “He has a good feel and a good handle and I think he would be able to do it if we needed to depend on him to do that.”
Watch: Camp Talk With Donovan
Roberson Handling the Rock
Payne Update
Watch: Adams on Payne, Price
Options for Initiating Offense
Thunder Minute: Sept. 29