Inside The Nets

Why should Jacque Vaughn trust Cam Thomas more

Cam Thomas continues to cement himself as a star for Brooklyn.
Marin Gabric|
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Brooklyn Nets

Against the Houston Rockets, Cameron Thomas got the starting spot after Cameron Johnson sat out due to personal reasons. Thomas capitalized on the opportunity, scoring 37 points to end the Nets’ three-game losing streak.

It was what fans have clamored for over the past few weeks, ever since the former LSU Tiger got relegated to the bench. The pressure is on Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn to put Thomas back into the starting lineup because he might be too productive to be a backup. That performance against Houston should be an eye-opener for Coach JV because Cam was the driving force behind the Nets' success.

“The thoughts have always been there. It's always been about trying to balance that group out. I know Cam can score with the first group or the second group,” Coach JV said about Cam possibly joining the starting group permanently. 

“It definitely has always been on my mind, what's best for the group, and it'll continue to be on my mind.”

Cam believes he is a big reason behind the Nets’ success

The Nets had a massive 20-point lead at halftime against the Rockets. Cam was a big reason behind the advantage, scoring 22 of his 37 points in the first half. It was a magnificent performance from Thomas because he was hitting all kinds of jump shots, but he was also getting to the rim and finishing over big men.

“Just being in the starting lineup, knowing what comes with it, knowing who I’m playing out there with, what’s required, and just coming out aggressive. Really just sticking to the gameplan, playing my game because playing my game helps us as a team, and we're up by 22 because of that,” Cam said in his half-time interview.

The Nets are more dangerous with Cam on the floor

With more minutes, Cam unlocks more of his game because he can get his rhythm early. That boosts the Nets’ offense because Thomas can score at all three levels. Add Mikal Bridges' scoring ability to that, and Brooklyn is a tough defensive matchup any given night.

Coach Vaughn needs to consider putting Cam back into the permanent starting lineup. He is too good to come off the bench as he seamlessly slots into that starting point guard role, especially as he has showcased evolution with his playmaking.

Ben Simmons' return to the Brooklyn Nets lineup is imminent

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Marin Gabric
MARIN GABRIC

Marin's love for writing developed in high school but was furthered in college when he took a number of creative writing courses. Doing sports writing felt like an extremely natural continuation, as it furthered his passions in both writing and basketball.  Marin loves the feeling of looking at stats after a game and analyzing what each team could've done better or what they excel in compared to the rest of the league. And the ability to do so for his favorite team, the Brooklyn Nets, is quite special in itself. 

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