This column was written for my Sports Commentary class at Northwestern:
By: Izzie Begley
When it comes to entertainment, few players in the NBA can match Cam Thomas. In a season where the Brooklyn Nets should probably be more focused on draft picks rather than wins, Thomas is putting on a show.
Cam Thomas has a different vibe than any other player. He has a certain aura that is a combination of unapologetic shooting and confidence. He doesn’t just have the green light; it feels like he invented it. It’s that relentless scoring approach, mixed with the expectation that the Nets would be terrible, that makes him so fun to watch.
Thomas’ shooting abilities are one of the most underrated in the entire league. To him, every possession is a chance to score– and if you are passing him the ball, don’t expect to see it again. Dropping 26.6 points per game on 43% shooting, Thomas is not just dedicated to scoring, but clearly has a hilarious disregard for passing.
In a recent game against the Bulls, Thomas put up 36 points without a single assist. For most players, this would be a fluke. Most players may try and throw in a few passes to keep the defense honest– but not Cam. He takes over like it is his own solo act. Open teammates? Unimportant. Potential assists? Irrelevant. Every dribble, pump fake, and contested shot feels like a way to remind everyone: he’s here to shoot and to only shoot.
This “style” of play is not new to Thomas. At LSU, he averaged a modest 1.4 assists per game, with his career high being set at four. High school? Same story: 31.5 points per game with just 3.4 assists. It almost seems like no coach even tried to introduce him to the concept of passing.
This is especially striking because he has played organized basketball for the majority of his life. At no point in his lengthy career, did his coaches successfully address his passing habits. But at this point, it’s just part of his charm.
While it’s funny and amusing, it could have serious implications on the Nets’ season. As of now there are two outcomes from Thomas’ playing style. The first outcome is that the Nets’ keep winning… which may actually be bad for them in the long-run. This could negatively affect their position in the lottery which could prevent the organization from picking up prospects that would help a much needed rebuild.
However, it’s very possible it won’t get to that point. It is important to ask: is this type of offense sustainable? It’s tough to say. Thomas’ tendency to dominate possessions without distributing could make the offense one-dimensional. Against tougher defenses, if Thomas is lined up against the opponent’s top defender, the Nets’ offense could go from entertaining to stagnant.
If this offense is sustainable, the second outcome is the Nets could have an outside shot of securing a low playoff seed. This would require Thomas to step up in other areas, particularly as a playmaker. Because we have seen little ball movement from Cam, it is unknown how this will affect not just his game but also the productivity of the Nets offense. But, is winning in the best interest of the long-term success of the organization? Definitely not.
The Brooklyn Nets organization has felt stuck for the better part of their history. Even when they have had “superstars,” such as Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, they were unable to produce anything productive. Cam Thomas is young and captivating, and getting reps is beneficial for his growth as a player, but it may hurt the team rather than help. No athlete wants to lose, but losing may just be the best option for the Nets.
