At the start of the offseason, the Brooklyn Nets made a surprising trade Mikal Bridges At The New York KnicksThe Nets already looked like a rebuilding team after their trades Kevin Durant, Kyrie IrvingAnd James Harden. Additionally, Brooklyn hasn’t won a playoff game since 2021 and missed the postseason entirely last year. By trading Bridges, it essentially confirms that they are rebuilding. Now, with Bridges out of the running, other members of the Nets have to step up and take on a bigger role. Luckily for Nets fans, the 22-year-old Cam Thomas is ready to do just that.
In a recent interview with SLAMThomas has spoken about the possibility of taking on a bigger role after Bridges leaves. He said he is “just ready” to take on a bigger role on and off the field.
“I just know that and I accept it. I tackle it head on. I kind of got these roles [as the leader of the team] “I’ve been in high school and college since I was in high school. So I’m not really worried about it. I’m just excited to get started and try to make it in the league. I’m not really worried about it at all; I’m just ready.”
Thomas spent the first three years of his NBA career with the Nets and improved each season. During the 2023-24 campaign, Thomas had a career year. Playing in 66 games, including 51 starts, Thomas averaged 22.5 points on 44.2% shooting and 36.4% from three-point range. Additionally, he averaged 3.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Thomas also finished seventh in voting for the Most Improved Player Award.
Brooklyn Nets forward ‘ready’ for bigger role
Cam Thomas doesn’t believe Nets are rebuilding
Despite public belief, Thomas says the Nets are not in the reconstruction phaseIn an interview with HoopsHype, the Japan native said he and the team will not “treat this as a rebuild.”
“We’re not going to look at this as a rebuild, like some people say. We’re going to go out there and compete and try to win every game. If we lose, we lose. We’re not going to lose a game. We’re going to compete hard. It’s going to be entertaining and exciting with some good young Nets players. I’m looking forward to it.”
Whether they’re rebuilding or not, it’s clear that the Nets are far from title contenders. The Nets do, however, have a young and intriguing core to build around. In addition to Thomas, the Nets have Nicolas Claxton and Cameron Johnson on the list. In addition, if Ben Simmons can return healthy and at least slightly resemble the player he was with the Philadelphia 76ers, he will become an important part of the Nets’ future.
The Last Word on Cam Thomas
Thomas is an interesting player who now has more room to improve. After averaging over 20 points per game last season, it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for him. The Nets are unlikely to be a playoff team next year. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth watching, now led by Thomas.
