Cam Thomas Chronicles: Navigating a Fresh NBA Role

The flash is there, but how is the substance

In his third NBA season, Cam Thomas has undergone a noteworthy transformation. As the Brooklyn Nets recalibrated their needs, Thomas willingly embraced a shift in his role. A closer look at his increased minutes and adjusted responsibilities offers a thorough analysis of Thomas’ performance in this new role. Additionally, I’ll provide insights into the aspects of his game that present opportunities for further development.

Season Numbers

Leading the team in scoring, Cam Thomas displays an impressive stat line, averaging 23.9 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists with shooting splits of 45/37.6/85.7. While excelling in his new role, these numbers also shed light on areas for improvement, adding nuance to his performance.

Shooting Improvement

Cam Thomas’ shooting journey unveils both promise and areas for refinement in his scoring. Despite making significant strides in 3 point shooting, boasting an impressive 38% efficiency on six attempts per game, his efficiency still remains below-average overall.

Improvements beyond the arc aside, Thomas grapples with a relative true shooting percentage of -1.4%, indicating room for growth in overall scoring efficiency. His effective field goal percentage (EFG%) of 50.7% places him in the 24th percentile, screaming the need for a more efficient offensive approach.

Specifically, Thomas encounters challenges in two-point shooting, posting a 2pt% of 48.1% (39th percentile per CTG). Attributed partly to shot selection, he attempts around 9 mid range jumpers per game with a modest 42% success rate. The low frequency of rim attempts (around 4 per game with 3 successful attempts) compounds the efficiency dilemma.

To enhance his scoring efficiency, Thomas can draw inspiration from established midrange stars. For instance, emulating Kyrie Irving's strategy of maintaining a low volume of rim attempts but shooting at an overall high percentage—both have similar rim FG% around 61.5%. Achieving a near 90% free-throw shooting accuracy, coupled with a focus on improving mid range accuracy to around 45%, will pave the way for more efficient scoring.

Alternatively, Thomas can take cues from Devin Booker, known for effective finishing at around 66%. While recognizing physical disparities, Thomas can enhance efficiency numbers by drawing more fouls. Incorporating some grifting, pump fakes, and increased aggression downhill could elevate free-throw attempts to 7-8 per game, contributing not only to offensive efficiency but also aiding the team by setting up defensively after made free throws.

In summary, Thomas's shooting improvement journey involves addressing foul drawing, enhancing midrange efficiency, and strategically adopting aspects of proven midrange stars like Kyrie Irving and Devin Booker. By combining these elements, Thomas can further evolve as a dynamic and efficient scorer in the NBA spotlight.

Having explored Thomas's scoring intricacies, we now shift our focus to his evolving playmaking abilities.

Playmaking Development

As Cam Thomas grows more accustomed to his role and navigates opposing coverages, his playmaking has notably improved. Transitioning from a non-existent playmaker to a below-average level, Thomas has taken significant strides in his overall playmaking abilities.

In pick-and-roll situations, Thomas has developed promising chemistry with teammates like Claxton, especially when facing hedge or trap defenses. While he occasionally struggles with the trajectory of his passes and could introduce more diversity to his playmaking, his willingness to create opportunities marks a commendable initial step in his development. Notably, in December, he ranks in the 75th percentile for assist percentage (Ast%).

Despite his significant ball-handling responsibilities, Thomas keeps turnovers in check, ranking in the 84th percentile for creation turnover percentage (creation TOV%). However, it's essential to recognize that a notable portion of his turnovers results from idle passes or a preference for shooting. By delivering higher-quality passes, Thomas can justify a potential increase in turnovers with a greater return on investment in creating scoring opportunities for teammates. As Thomas refines his decision-making and diversifies his passing options, he has the potential to evolve into a more impactful playmaker.

Transitioning to the defensive realm, let's explore how Cam Thomas grapples with challenges on the defensive end of the court.

Defensive Questions

Cam Thomas, standing at 6 '3, assumes the role of a smaller wing in the NBA that archetype gas historically fraught with challenges unless accompanied by exceptional strength or athleticism. While Thomas has shown increased effort on the defensive end this season, questions linger about the overall effectiveness of his defensive contributions.

Despite visible improvements, especially in closeouts where he exhibits more activity than ever, on-the-ball defense remains a concern. Paired with his limited switchability. Many opposing guards exploit Thomas's size, outmaneuvering him with their speed, highlighting areas for growth in his point-of-attack defense.

One potential avenue for defensive growth lies in Thomas's ability to contribute more significantly to rebounding and creating turnovers. Enhancing his rebounding from 3 to 5 or 6 per game would bolster the team's defensive possessions. While he currently ranks in the 57th percentile in Block Percentage (Blk%), there's room for improvement in stealing possessions from opponents. If Thomas can elevate his steals to 1.5-2 per game next season, his defensive value would see a considerable uptick, even if it doesn't reach positive or average levels.

It's important to set realistic expectations for Thomas's defensive capabilities. While it might be a stretch to envision him as a positive, but being far from a liability will do wonders.

Impact Metrics

Beyond the highlights and improvements, impact metrics offer a statistical lens to gauge Cam Thomas's influence on the game. While categorizing him as a replacement-level player, these metrics don't imply inadequacy but point to areas for improvement.

Despite excitement around Thomas's offensive contributions, especially as the primary creator, there are improvement areas. Avoid the allure of points per game; Thomas's journey is one of continuous growth. Metrics, while informative, aren't the definitive judgment of his potential.

**Some notable impact Metrics **

- BPM: 0.5

- Augpm: -3.0

- RPM: 3.0

- EPM: -2.5
On average, these metrics categorize him as a replacement-level player. While some may think those numbers underrate him, it's crucial to acknowledge that his impact isn't on the level of stars or high-level starters.

Ending Thoughts

Cam Thomas's evolution this year has been a gratifying journey for both the player and Nets fans. Each game paints a picture of potential and promise, and the anticipation for his future remains high. As the season unfolds, there's collective eagerness to see how far Cam Thomas can elevate his game in the upcoming seasons.