This is a significant year for Cam Thomas, and he seems to be thriving.
He claims he won’t change his approach to the game, yet it’s clear he’s still evolving into a more refined player.
During training camp and the preseason, Thomas has appeared highly motivated, especially after not securing a long-term contract with the Nets and opting for a one-year qualifying offer instead—not exactly what many had in mind.
But what’s driving him?
“Cam has the potential to become one of those young players who finds his rhythm,” commented Hall of Famer Vince Carter. “This is an important year for him.”
And it really is.
This past summer, Thomas became a restricted free agent but turned down a reported two-year, $30 million contract from Brooklyn, as well as a $9.5 million deal laden with incentives. Ultimately, he accepted a qualifying offer of about $5.99 million, which comes with a no-trade clause and leads to unrestricted free agency down the line.
Still, taking on that role comes with its own set of expectations. While scoring has never been an issue for him, Thomas must also demonstrate he can stay injury-free, defend adequately, and develop as a playmaker.
Last season, he only managed to play in 25 games due to a hamstring problem, but he’s lost some weight and is looking sharper this training camp.
Of course, the challenges don’t end there.
Thomas, who stands as one of the top scorers alongside Michael Porter Jr., shares some of the same gaps in his game. In a recent loss, his lack of defensive effort became evident when a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Colin Gillespie sealed their fate.
“In the NBA, it’s all about attention to detail. We let three points slip away at the end of the second quarter, which changed it from a potential 15-point lead to just 12. Then another three-pointer cost us again at the end of the third,” said head coach Jordi Fernandez. “Our players need to stay focused for the full duration, not just at crunch time.”
On the bright side, there are signs of growth in his playmaking. He’s averaging five assists per game, a significant improvement from his past. Last year, he averaged merely 1.8 assists, but stepped it up to 3.8 last season, even reaching a career-high 10 assists in his last game in Chicago.
As he prepares for a game against the Suns, one has to wonder: will he take on a bigger playmaking role this season?
“No, I’m just playing my game,” Thomas shared. “When teams double me, that opens things up for assists. If teammates hit their shots, then it’s an assist. I just do what I do. If assists come, great.”
Although, he acknowledges he’s still very much a scorer at heart. “It’s all about reading the game. Some nights will have more assists, while others may lean heavily on scoring. It’s just about reacting to what the defense is doing.”
However, how he uses his scoring to benefit others is a lesson that could serve both him and the Nets well.
“Yeah, Jordi and I talk about this regularly,” Thomas admitted. “He knows my playing style and how to capitalize on my scoring.”
“But it’s a delicate balance between seeking your shots and facilitating for others. Our communication has really improved this year. We both get each other better now, and I think that’s going to lead us to some promising outcomes.”
