Inside The Nets

Cam Thomas Voices Frustration as Ankle Injury Halts Nets' Breakout Star

Thomas expresses frustration as an unexpected ankle injury disrupts his standout season with the Brooklyn Nets.

Peter Sunjic

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Things were already rolling according to plan for Cam Thomas as the Brooklyn Nets had handed him the keys to their offense this initial portion of the 2023/24 season until he went down and suffered a left ankle sprain which required him to miss a significant time.

Speaking in front of the reporters on Tuesday, Thomas didn't hide the frustration that curbs him as his supposed breakout year was unexpectedly paused.

“Of course it’s frustrating. I was playing real well, helping the team, we were competing. What was I, number six or seven in scoring at the time? So obviously it’s frustrating,” Thomas said. “But at the end of day, everything happens for a reason. So I’m going to just try to rehab as best I can, just so I can get back to that level of play I was at, that’s the only thing I’m looking forward to.”

Trust the healing process

Before his sidelining, Thomas was unleashed and given the offensive green light for Brooklyn by head coach Jacque Vaughn.

 In eight matches played, the promising guard exploded for 26.9 points average, the 12th highest so far in the Association. In his first three games, he went off for 30+ markers. A few days later, he erupted for a career-high 45 points on a losing effort against the Milwaukee Bucks.

But as unfortunate as it can be, Thomas has no choice but to trust his recovery and come back stronger as quickly as possible as his injury bars him from being inactive for two weeks. For now, he will stick himself to the sidelines and support his teammates in whatever way he can.

“Just being around the guys still supporting, watching the game, hopefully get a win. But I’ve been fine. I’m really just in good spirits. But obviously frustrating because as player you want to be out there playing especially with how well I was playing,” Thomas added. “You always want to be out there, but can’t go out there like this, so I just got to make the best of it. Maybe the best of it I can and just support the guys.”

Next man up

With Thomas out, Mikal Bridges took over as the Nets’ top gunner. The swingman has been tallying 20 points per outing in the past three games for Brooklyn. 

Meanwhile, Spencer Dinwiddie appears to have finally redeemed himself after a slow season start as he led Brooklyn in its in-season tourney win against Orlando with 29 points and nine dimes.

Lonnie Walker IV, coming off the bench and averaging 15 points per game, stands ready to provide a crucial scoring boost when needed. Ultimately, Brooklyn boasts several players who can be counted on to step up in the absence of Thomas.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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