Inside The Nets

"I'm just doing my job" - Cameron Thomas on his ever-changing role in Brooklyn

Cam Thomas has kept playing well despite coming off the bench.

Marin Gabric

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Even when he’s been playing as a sixth man in the past few weeks, Cameron Thomas has continued to prove he’s one of the best players on the Nets roster. Coach Jacque Vaughn still sees Cam as a vital part of the rotation moving forward.

Thomas has maintained his opinion that he will just keep playing his role depending on what the coach needs. He is committed to playing under Coach JV even though he has stated that he would prefer to be a starter.

“It could change, but I’m just doing my job. I’m just doing what I need to do out there and produce. But no, I don't really have no comfortability coming off the bench or starting. Whatever he wants me to do that's what imma do,” Cam said after the Nets’ loss to Miami.

A mature approach to the role change

Most young players are eager to take over the starting spot and never let go. The former LSU Tiger would love to be a starter alongside Mikal Bridges, but the Nets still have unresolved issues. This meant Thomas had to move back to the bench, and thankfully, he accepted it without any complaints.

His statement after the game might sound like he’s against the decision to move him to the bench, but he clarified that he just does not want to be complacent.

Cam can still be a starter sometime soon

As long as Cam plays well and proves he can score, there is always a path to him starting for Coach Vaughn. The primary issue behind the benching was better shot distribution and defense, but in recent games, Spencer Dinwiddie has played fewer minutes because of Dennis Smith Jr.'s improved performances.

This can open up a spot in the starting lineup for Cam, DSJ., or both. The guard out of NC State brings a unique blend of defense and playmaking that fits perfectly with Thomas' offensive production in the starting group.

In the meantime, Cam is still the team’s primary scorer off the bench and a likely name that will finish the game alongside most of the starters.

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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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