Cam Thomas
Cam Thomas, who the Brooklyn Nets released just after the trade deadline, is a controversial player. His biggest fans will point to his prodigious scoring ability as evidence that he’s a star hiding in plain sight. His main detractors have honed in on his tunnel vision while decrying his defensive miscues. The truth, as always, is somewhere in the middle.
Thomas creates space instinctively, the efficiency of his shot-making separating his super sixth man and All-Star performances. Likely because he knows he’s just that good at getting a look off, he has tended to fixate on scoring. That’s not ideal for any player, let alone a high usage 6-foot-3 guard with unspectacular efficiency. Ultimately, he needed to evolve as a facilitator. At the same time, his defense wasn’t up to scratch, Thomas’s technique lacking as much as his effort and awareness.
Over the past couple of seasons, Thomas has made authentic attempts to strengthen his weaknesses. The results have been mixed but it’s encouraging that he knew he had to get better. Even if he remains rather one-dimensional, that coachability will allow him to keep getting chances in the league.
The best team for Thomas will allow the 24-year-old to grow but provide structure.
