If it is not as radiant as at the start of the season, Cam Thomas remains, with an average of 22.4 points, the Nets' best scorer. He is a vital weapon for Brooklyn's offense. And in defense? It's more complicated… Already because of his small size (1m93) and also because the back has never been very concerned on this side of the field.
To find balance and bring a more physical and defensive touch to his major five, Jacque Vaughn decided to put him on the bench for two matches, preferring Dorian Finney-Smith.
“I stay focused”, does he react to this change for the New York Post. “I concentrate on my work, knowing that things can change and that I will not always be starting or on the bench. I just have to stay focused, stay ready. You never know, you have to stay ready and not let yourself get discouraged. Everyone wants to be a starter, me first. But I have to come off the bench for the team. I don't give up, I stay positive. »
He returns to the bench as during his first seasons
The Nets coach assures that Cam Thomas is only a collateral victim of his desire for change. Because since the release of Dorian Finney-Smith from the major five in December, the Nets defense has shown big signs of weakness.
“We were not good offensively and defensively with this formation,” analyzes Jacque Vaughn when talking about the five made up of Cam Thomas, Mikal Bridges, Spencer Dinwiddie, Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton. “It started with Cam, and it’s not just him. It concerns the group. I always look for what is best for the team. »
This major five was notably limited in centimeters, which forced Spencer Dinwiddie (1m96) to take care of strong wingers… Dorian Finney-Smith is much more useful in these cases. “The coach wanted more size on the floor because it’s hard for Dinwiddie to defend on the inside”specifies the back of the Nets.
So back to square one for Cam Thomas, replacement during his first two seasons?
” It's cool. I know I have to come off the bench again and I have to shine in my role. If it changes next game or next month, I'll be ready. I need to excel in my role right now and help the team,” he announces before insisting that the pill must pass.“Am I comfortable with this? Basically, I'm doing my job. I have to accept it,” he concludes.
| Cam Thomas | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | BRK | 67 | 18 | 43.3 | 27.0 | 82.9 | 0.2 | 2.2 | 2.4 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 8.5 |
| 2022-23 | BRK | 57 | 17 | 44.1 | 38.3 | 86.8 | 0.1 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 10.6 |
| 2023-24 | BRK | 23 | 30 | 45.1 | 36.4 | 83.2 | 0.3 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 2.3 | 2.2 | 0.6 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 22.5 |
| Total | 147 | 19 | 44.1 | 33.3 | 84.7 | 0.2 | 2.0 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 11.5 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
