Thunder G Payne out at least 6 weeks with broken foot
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Thunder guard Cameron Payne will be out for at least six weeks after fracturing a bone in his right foot during a scrimmage last week.
Payne had previously broken the fifth metatarsal, and he had surgery in July. After consulting with specialists, he elected not to have surgery again, instead hoping the bone will heal on its own.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti said Thursday that Payne will be re-evaluated in six to eight weeks, meaning he will miss the start of the regular season.
The 14th pick in the 2015 draft, Payne averaged 5.0 points, 1.9 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 57 games during his rookie season as a backup to Russell Westbrook. He also became known for his pregame dance routine with Westbrook.
After that, Payne topped all scorers in the Orlando Summer League with 18.8 points per game, and also averaged 4.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds in four games.
The next step in his progression is on hold.
"Cameron, his representatives, and the Thunder fully understand that if the bone is not healing appropriately, or if at any point there is a setback in his return to play, surgery may still be required," Presti said.
___
Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter @CliffBruntAP