New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson has lost a teammate at power forward and will not play in the NBA until next year with a tough injury. The new NBA season is just a few days away, and teams need to have their best players in top shape.

Now Payne is vying for time in what could be a crowded back-court, particularly off the bench. Payne is a high-energy reserve guard with a knack for scoring. His experience will presumably give him the edge to make Tom Thibodeau's rotation.

It was enough to put Jalen Brunson in contention for the final spot on this past summer’s gold-medal-winning Team USA Olympics roster. And while Brunson broke his hand in the Knicks’ season finale

But as the Knicks prepare for their third season in the Brunson era, a legitimate question must be asked. With the arrival of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, New York has a nice group of star players around their top point guard.

Our NBA writers look into their crystal balls to make their best guesses at what's to come over the next eight months.