Nets’ Cam Thomas deserves a chance in playoff series
By John Canady
The Nets are currently facing an uphill battle, trailing the 76ers 0-2 in the first-round series. As the team heads back to Brooklyn for Game 3, the team is in desperate need of a spark. Not only do they need a spark, but they need an offensive spark.
Luckily for the Nets, they have quite the offensive secret weapon on their bench.
Cam Thomas deserves playoff minutes
Through the first two games of the series, the Nets offense has struggled to put a full game together. In two games, the Nets offense is averaging 92.5 points per game, compared to the Sixers 108.5. With the team’s offense stalling in the second half, it only makes sense to put yet another offensive weapon on the floor. And that weapon should be Cam Thomas.
On the season, Thomas averaged 10.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, shooting 44.1% from field goal range and 38.3% from three. Not to mention the LSU alum’s multiple 40-point outings, including his 46-point performance in the season finale against Philly. Given the guard’s ability to score at will, Thomas could give the Nets another ball handler who can create for others and put stress on the Sixers defense.
The 21-year-old’s lack of playing time is in large part due to his inefficiency on the defensive end. Thomas has improved defensively, but the SEC product still provides the 76ers an easy matchup to exploit on offense, especially with the way the team has been double-teaming Joel Embiid.
Nonetheless, head coach Jacque Vaughn has hinted that Thomas may receive minutes in Game 3. If given the opportunity, the second-year man could earn the trust of the coaching staff moving forward and carve himself a nice role if he plays well in his minutes. According to Vaugh, it’s just difficult deciding whose minutes Thomas could take.
Asked Jacque Vaughn if he considered going to Cam Thomas with the Nets struggling to score:
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) April 18, 2023
"If I felt like we were struggling to get looks, maybe that could be an answer. But I thought that we got looks, and I thought that they were makable shots. Is Cam on the back of my… pic.twitter.com/lqeAoINM6h
One thing’s for certain: if the Nets have any hope of getting back into this series, they will need a spark to ignite the comeback. If anyone can play that role for them, it’s almost a no-brainer to look at Cam Thomas.