Anadolu Efes, a professional basketball team based in Turkey, signed Cameron Payne to take over from Mike James, who suffered a serious injury to his Achilles tendon. The injury was confirmed after medical evaluations by the club’s doctors, who determined that James would need surgery and would be out of action for 7 to 9 months. Payne, a player with 11 seasons of experience in the NBA, was officially announced as James's replacement a few days after the injury occurred. Payne had previously played for Partizan, a Serbian basketball team, during the last season. There, he averaged 12.4 points and 3.9 assists per game. However, the season was not without challenges, and after 15 matches across all competitions, Payne returned to the United States. In the 2025/26 season, he played for the Philadelphia 76ers but did not secure a new team for the following season. Now, he has committed to Anadolu Efes until the end of the current season. Mike James, who is also a former NBA player, received support from his fellow athletes during his recovery. His hospital visits included appearances from notable basketball players such as Matthew Strazel, Élie Okobo, Jordan Loyd, Shane Larkin, and Will Clyburn. These visits were likely intended to provide encouragement and solidarity during his recovery period. Anadolu Efes's decision to sign Payne reflects the team's efforts to maintain strong performance despite unexpected setbacks. Payne’s experience and skills are expected to contribute significantly to the team's goals for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, James is focusing on his rehabilitation, with the support of both medical professionals and his peers in the basketball community.