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2 key takeaways from Cam Thomas’s hot start to the season

By Jed Katz

Oct 30, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA;Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier (3) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA;Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier (3) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 25, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges (1) and guard Cam Thomas (24) walk towards forward Cameron Johnson (2) as he reacts after missing his shot at the buzzer during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges (1) and guard Cam Thomas (24) walk towards forward Cameron Johnson (2) as he reacts after missing his shot at the buzzer during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Thomas can still improve; but is the Nets key offensive force

Brooklyn’s goal is to get back to the postseason with the talent they have, and although their names may not necessarily be as elite as other rosters, they’re good enough to sneak into the playoffs or the Play-In Tournament with what they’ve got. They can compete, and it shows, losing by an average margin of just five points this season. Brooklyn’s four losses came against the Cavaliers, Bucks, Celtics, and Mavericks, all elite NBA teams.

The game Monday night versus Milwaukee is an indicator of Thomas’s strengths and areas for improvement. He shot 17-33, very efficient, and 6-16 from deep. If he wants to take the next step, though, he’ll have to shoot better in crunch time, as he went 1-4 in the last three minutes of the game. His plus-minus is -13 in the fourth quarter as well.

As much as it sounds like harsh criticism, Nets fans can appreciate the hot start from number 24. He’s a big reason why the Nets are seventh in offensive rating (116.1). If Thomas can just improve his defense, passing, and shooting at the end of the game, he has the potential to be considered one of the league’s best players today.

Unfortunately for Nets fans, Thomas will miss at least the next two weeks with a left ankle sprain. That is a brutal break for Brooklyn and Thomas.

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