Payne looks good with Ayton, Bridges, Booker, etc. No doubt the effect of CP3 as mentor/role model etc elevates his game.
for all we know Chris Dugan might have excelled in this role.
In the indelible memory of Howard Eisley’s tenure here perhaps its ok to pause with caution and understand when a good role player is elevated to starter its not always a transferable situation. Sometimes players on other benches when given an opportunity shine when given the chance.
Idea is to take an undervalued asset and polish it up. Payne might be ready. Or he might be just OK/Paytonish.