MEMPHIS – Adreian Payne has gone from unused to a place in Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau's rotation these past four games. Before Saturday's 93-71 loss at Memphis, the third-year forward was asked about his newfound role after he starting the season unsure just where he fits in.
"Yeah," he said, "I'm still not sure about it."
So goes life in the NBA near the end of the bench, from which he has discovered a supporting part just a month after it wasn't nearly certain he'd make the team's final roster.
Thibodeau has turned to Payne this past week, calling upon his physicality and athleticism after Shabazz Muhammad missed three games because of a sore knee.