Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

Nets rookie Cam Thomas’ Twitter activity shows he wants more respect

By Jordanna Clark

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: Cam Thomas #24 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots and scores over Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter of their game at Golden 1 Center on February 02, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: Cam Thomas #24 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots and scores over Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter of their game at Golden 1 Center on February 02, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Most of the attention over the past couple of weeks has been on James Harden and because of that, Brooklyn Nets rookie Cam Thomas has been overlooked. The No. 27 pick in the 2021 draft has scored in double-digits in the past four games.

The 20-year-old is averaging 9.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in the 45 games that he’s played in. Thomas is shooting 44.7% from the field.

Because of the way that he’s played in his first year in the league, Thomas was viewed as a trade target ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

Since the start of 2022, Brooklyn’s 5-18 but aside from the team’s poor performance, Thomas has been on a hot streak.

He’s scored in double-digits 12 times since Jan. 1 and after the game on Feb. 10 that includes eight 20+ point games, which is more than any other rookie in the league.

https://twitter.com/24_camthomas/status/1491435324605857793

Brooklyn Nets rookie Cam Thomas needs to be talked about more.

The Nets are currently on a 11-game losing streak and although things are expected to improve once everyone on their new-look roster is healthy, Thomas has been a bright spot amidst the chaos.

The LSU product had his first 30+ point game on Feb. 4 in a 125-102 loss to Utah. He shot 57.9% from the field (11-of-19) and 42.9% (3-of-7) from the 3-point line.

In Brooklyn’s past five games alone, Thomas has averaged 23.2 points.

During the Nets’ loss to the Wizards on Thursday night, Thomas made his second appearance in the starting lineup. He was the team’s second-highest scorer and finished with 27 points and shot 61.1% from the field (11-of-18) and 50% from the 3-point line (4-of-8).

Thomas is more known for his floaters than his 3-pointers but with a little over a minute left to play in the game against Washington, Brooklyn was down by six, 109-103. Kyrie Irving passed the ball off to Thomas, who knocked down a 3-pointer and was fouled by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the process.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1491971024639905795

The rookie completed the four-point play to cut the Wizards lead down to two points.

Ultimately, Brooklyn came up short but Thomas’ heroics shouldn’t be ignored.

The NBA updated its 2021-22 weekly rookie rankings on Wednesday and somehow, Thomas wasn’t featured in the top-10. He broke into the rankings earlier this season at No. 10 after he knocked down a game-winning floater but he soon dropped back down and hasn’t made an appearance since.

That’s a mistake on the league’s behalf because right now, Thomas is playing the best that he has all year.

Although Thomas’ hasn’t been properly recognized for his recent play, he and the Nets other three rookies are the real winners. The four of them get to learn and play alongside teammates like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

What more could Thomas ask for? But hey, he still deserves his respect.