Outstanding attacker, Cam Thomas once again displayed all his talent Monday evening for the Nets’ first preseason game against the Lakers. Top scorer for his team with 26 points scored in just 22 minutes, including 17 in the third quarter, the Brooklyn guard quickly found his bearings even though he only learned earlier in the day that he was was finally going to be in the major five.
“I just played. Whatever we needed in a match, that’s what I was going to do. I made a few passes, then my scoring side started to take over. I was just reading the game”slipped the one who stood out last season by aligning three games at 44, 47 and 43 points.
The problem is that this “showman” side, being able to catch fire in short periods in attack, has so far led him nowhere. A sequence came to remind him against the Lakers when he engaged in a duel with Austin Reaves which turned into fireworks.
Cam Thomas slammed three 3-point baskets in quick succession on the head of the American international. Problem, he also took two on the head during this same sequence, then two free throws.
Adapt your game to that of the Nets
This is exactly what Jacque Vaughn insisted: the need for Cam Thomas to become a more complete player in order to progress in the hierarchy. And according to the Brooklyn coach, his player has made a lot of efforts in this direction since the start of the training camp.
“In golf and tennis, you can bring your own balls, your own shoes and your racket. We practice a team sport,” recalled Jacque Vaughn. “Cam is doing a really good job of understanding how to adapt his game to the Nets and how he can still thrive playing team basketball.”
Cam Thomas must still understand that he cannot take all the shots when the ball arrives in his hands, but that he must also participate in the team game, not to mention the defense, a point on which his skills remain subject to improvement. But the person concerned is voluntary, and that is the most important thing for the moment.
“Being able to do a full training camp, knowing what Coach Vaughn expects, how he wants the team to operate, that helped me a lot.”added Cam Thomas.
At his side, Ben Simmons in any case appreciated the adjustments of the new Cam Thomas, hoping that the 2023/24 vintage will be as exceptional as its offensive potential suggests.
“He has progressed enormously over the last few months. His playing intelligence, his way of playing, quite simply”Ben Simmons said after the game lost against the Lakers. “I think he rushes less. He takes the right shots, he finds guys when they’re open, but at the same time, he’s always himself. He’s capable of getting a basket.”
| 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 |
| Total | 124 | 17 | 43.7 | 31.9 | 85.3 | 0.2 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 9.5 | |
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.
