Cam Thomas takes on unexpected position to support the Nets’ future

Cam Thomas’s Changing Role with the Nets

It’s been quite a while since Cam Thomas found himself spending so much time away from the starting lineup. I mean, back when he was sitting on the bench, Jacque Vaughn was still the head coach, and the major trade for Mikal Bridges was just a future plan. That alone feels like ages ago.

In late December and much of January during the 2023-24 season, Thomas was shifted to the second unit. His obvious defensive shortcomings seemed to outweigh his impressive offensive abilities, prompting Brooklyn to make some adjustments.

Eventually, he found his way back to starting, sticking with that position for almost the entire last season. Kevin Ollie stepped in as interim coach after Vaughn was let go, and subsequently, Jordi Fernandez was brought on board.

With Thomas back on the floor after missing 20 games due to a torn hamstring, he’s now part of a younger group. His role has shifted alongside players like Danny Wolf, Nolan Traore, and Drake Powell, who are still adjusting to the NBA vibe.

This shift in focus may feel a bit strange for Thomas. At 24 years old, he’s no longer the rookie but a veteran among this inexperienced crew. Brooklyn’s current priority seems to lean heavily on drafting and developmental prospects, which—I think—presents a unique challenge for him. After all, accepting the qualifying offer before the season, his long-term future with this rebuilding team feels pretty uncertain.

Players like Ben Saraf, who recently faced injuries, along with Wolf, Traore, and Powell, are all vying for their moment to shine. They need the chance to score and effectively contribute, similar to how Egor Demmin took advantage of his starting role. Fernandez has expressed confidence in Thomas, especially heading into a game against the Grizzlies.

“I’m really pleased with that second group,” Fernandez commented after a loss to the Clippers. “They’re focusing on playing the right way. I’m trying to emphasize that. For Thomas, that’s his strength—when the defense zeroes in on him, he has to recognize how to maximize that through scoring or passing.”

During his time off the bench, Thomas averaged about 12 shots and 17 points per game, which, yes, is a drop from his earlier performance of nearly 25 points and almost 19 shots in the first seven games before his injury. Yet, he remains the primary shooter for the second unit.

In a recent match against the Clippers, Thomas managed to score 13 points with a somewhat uneven shooting performance. His teammates, like Wolff and Traore, also stepped up, but the team struggled against the Clippers’ reserves, resulting in a 2-11 record so far this season.

There was a moment—near the end of the first quarter—when Thomas danced through the Clippers’ defense. He hesitated for just a heartbeat before sinking a jumper that trimmed the deficit to seven. Later, Traore set him up for a three-pointer. It’s those little moments that seem to matter, and Fernandez noted how Thomas is making the right plays while helping his teammates find their rhythm.

But honestly, it’s hard to say how long Thomas will keep this role. He didn’t seem thrilled about being on the bench during a significant loss earlier in January, and when questioned about it, he rather briefly said, “No comment.” It appears he’s in a bit of a tricky spot now; becoming an unrestricted free agent midway through the season after a long-term deal didn’t pan out, it feels like he’s showcasing his skills for potential future teams. There’s a glimpse of his scoring ability, but also those old concerns about defense and injury loom large as he seeks his next contract.