Anadolu Efes Bolsters Guard Rotation with Cameron Payne Signing After Mike James Injury

Anadolu Efes announced the acquisition of former NBA guard Cameron Payne following an ankle injury to starter Mike James, which was reported during the team’s recent loss to Crvena Zvezda. The signing was confirmed by Eurohoops and Türkiye Today. Payne, a seasoned playmaker, joins a Efes roster that relies heavily on Pablo Laso’s system. The club hopes his experience can offset the loss of James as they prepare for a second EuroLeague meeting with Crvena Zvezda, a game that could influence their standing. While the move addresses an immediate need, the actual impact on Efes’s offensive flow remains uncertain. Integration of a new guard mid‑season can be challenging, and the team’s performance against Zvezda will be the first test of the roster adjustment.