Cam Thomas has been a crucial part of the Brooklyn Nets season. The 23-year-old guard has established himself as a prolific three-level scorer. Thomas has been central to the Nets’ surprising 8-10 start. Unfortunately, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Thomas will miss three to four weeks due to a left hamstring strain.
ESPN story on the Nets losing ascending guard Cam Thomas for a month due to a hamstring strain: https://t.co/ucAbv6hdvc
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 27, 2024
Nets Rising Star Cam Thomas Expected to Miss 3-4 Weeks
Thomas has been a standout player this season, currently ranking 14th in the NBA in scoring and averaging a career-high 24.7 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds. In addition to his on-court performance, he has been a key leader for the team. Thomas missed the November 19th game against the Charlotte Hornets due to back tightness. During Monday’s game against Golden State, he left the game and was ruled out for tonight. The three to four weeks news is a setback, especially with ongoing trade rumors involving Thomas.
Breakout Season
Before his injury, Thomas was having a breakout All-Star-level season. Thomas entered the league in 2021 when the Nets had an impressive roster, which included Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden. Before Kyrie was traded in 2023, he mentored Thomas. Since the departure of the three, Thomas has led the Nets in scoring for the past two seasons, putting up numbers comparable to current All-Stars. The setback for Thomas will be hard since the team is currently in 8th place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Future in Brooklyn
Despite recent trade rumors, the Nets are in a good position for the future. Going into the 2025 offseason, the team has a projected $75.9 million in cap space. If they decide to trade players away before the deadline, their cap space could further increase. This would put the Nets in a great spot for their future and could turn them into contenders faster than anticipated.
There have been growing reports that the Nets might not include Thomas in their future. Over the past summer, the Nets and Thomas failed to agree on an extension that would have allowed him to remain a Net. Once Thomas returns from his injury the Nets may be more active in finding a trade partner for him.
How Thomas’ Injury Impacts the Nets
The Nets have an 8-10 record heading into this Wednesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns, who hold a 10-7 record. Though not considered contenders at the beginning of the season, they are competing in each game and greatly out-performing expectations. However, injuries continue to plague the team. The news that Thomas will miss three to four weeks is a disappointment for the Nets.
Additional roster adjustments will be needed; the team will look to Dennis Schroder to play a key role. Schroder has been playing for increased minutes and has been amazing on offense this season. All season, the Nets have shown their determination to be taken seriously, they are proving they will play hard and adjust. Hopefully, they can get a break from injuries.
