Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas is ruled out for the next two weeks after he suffered a left ankle sprain on Wednesday. Thomas’ MRI on Thursday confirmed the injury. He will be rehabbing the ankle and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
When Thomas got hurt in the third quarter of Brooklyn’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers, he was on his way to another 20-point game. He could even have possibly had a 30-point outing, as he had 14 points at the time of the injury. One thing for sure is that Brooklyn will miss Thomas and what he has brought to the Nets so far in this young season. Here are three ways Thomas’ injury affects the Nets.
How Cam Thomas’ Injury Affects the Brooklyn Nets
Scoring
So far in 2023-24, Thomas is averaging 26.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, shooting 47.9% from the field and 32.1% from behind the three-point line. Those, by far, are career numbers for him, as he is having the best season of his three-year career. That’s thanks to how much he has played compared to his first two seasons in the NBA.
Through his first two seasons, Thomas averaged 17.1 minutes per game and started in just six of his 124 games. So far this season, Thomas is averaging 32.4 minutes per contest and has started seven of eight games. That has given him more time to put up more points.
That said, Thomas has been incredible for the Nets on the offensive end of the floor. He has grown in almost every facet of his game despite his three-point shooting being worse than last season (38.3%). Thomas has been essential for Brooklyn’s offense because he’s dominant in the mid-range. He has also improved at attacking the rim and finishing through contact or earning free throws.
Offensive Gravity
One facet of Thomas’ presence on the court that hasn’t been talked about enough is his gravity due to his immense scoring. While gravity is usually associated with superstars like Stephen Curry and LeBron James, Thomas has a similar level of gravity.
Thomas’ gravity allowed players like Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith to have more space to drive to the rim or shoot open threes. In an offense like Brooklyn’s, where the goal is to play fast and attack closeouts whenever possible, Thomas was crucial to that kind of offensive philosophy.
Constant Spark
While some argue that Thomas taking over 20 shots per game could lessen the morale of other players, he has the opposite effect on the Nets. By all accounts, Thomas represents the youth (22 years old) that veterans are happy to see, especially with him playing as well as he is.
The way that Thomas scores the ball is a sight to behold. His herky-jerky movement patterns appeal to the eye. Players understand how hard it is to defend someone who doesn’t move conventionally. Also, when Thomas gets going, his emotion uplifts his team, and because he’s just happy to be playing ball, his teammates can rally behind him.
The Last Word on Cam Thomas
Ultimately, Thomas being out for at least two weeks could be devastating for the Nets regarding their offensive output. However, Cameron Johnson returned to help pick up the offensive slack until Cam Thomas is healthy.
