One of the toughest things for an NBA rookie is adjusting to the pace of the game at the next level.

Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Cameron Payne had trouble with just that during his rookie season with the team last year.

In 57 games, Payne averaged 5.0 points and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 41.0 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from three. He wasn't always a consistent part of the rotation and as the year went on, he was reserved more toward the end of the bench.

Payne talked about the trials and tribulations with The Oklahoman's Erik Horne this week:

“Trying to play too fast. Trying to go out and play instead of taking the game more … like they say ‘the game is 90 percent mental.' I really didn't have that in my mind. But this year, this summer, I made it more mental for me and I'm ready to showcase it.”

More will be asked for Payne and everyone on the Thunder this season as the franchise enters new territory without Kevin Durant on the roster.

An improved Payne would be greatly welcomed on a roster that will be searching for some new answers. Payne's ability to play alongside Russell Westbrook could make Payne very valuable this season.

“It's fun to be back there with Russell. A lot of attention is not on you when he's in the game, so I feel like if we get that lineup going, it'll be fun.”

Payne is recovering from Jones surgery on his foot this summer. He's already out of a walking boot and appears ready for the start of the season.