© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Cameron Thomas Credits Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving for His Development
When Cameron Thomas was drafted in 2021, he was seen as a future spark plug off the bench. This was a team still led by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving who were fantastic role models for Thomas as they were accomplished players and elite-level scorers.
As long as Durant and Irving led the Brooklyn Nets, the team was in contention for a championship. However, when they both requested trades, it opened up opportunities for players like Thomas. He seized the moment, delivering three consecutive games with over 40 points. Now, in the 2023/24 season, Thomas is still showcasing his exceptional scoring prowess.
“I learned a lot. I’d say they helped me with the speed of the game. They don’t let anything speed them up and have patience on offense,” Thomas said to HoopsHype’s Michael Scoto about the two superstars’ influence. “It’ll always come back to you, so you don’t really have to force anything. That’s the main thing. Let the game come to you because, eventually, the ball will come around to you.”
Cam developed well under their leadership
Playing behind two superstars is beneficial because, during their practice sessions, they would’ve been giving him wisdom. That is valuable advice to get, especially from two NBA champions, and future Hall-of-Famers.
It looks like it has paid off because Cam is much more patient than he was when was still fresh into the league. He is taking his time and slowing down when needed to fool the defense. Cam can then unleash his arsenal of moves with step-backs, crossovers, and even straight-line drives.
To start the 2023/24 season, Thomas has been the Nets’ best scorer. This was a surprise at first because most people thought Mikal Bridges was the undisputed number one guy for Brooklyn but it seems he has conceded his go-to scorer role to Thomas.
How the Nets have changed without KD and Kyrie
Following the trades of KD and Kyrie in early 2023, the Nets have transitioned into more of a team-oriented dynamic. The absence of superstar players has fostered a sense of collective effort, in contrast to relying on a few headliners, a scenario that included James Harden while he was still with the team.
“The only thing that’s changed are the expectations from the outside, like the media. When you have Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, most media outlets want you to be contending for a championship,” Cam said. “With this team, they’re not really expecting us to do much and not really contend for a championship or even the playoffs.”
Now, the Nets can surprise more people because they are not seen as contenders anymore but with Cam playing this way and lighting up NBA defenses every night, they should be wary of a sleeping giant in Brooklyn.
