Inside The Nets

Coach Vaughn says Cam Thomas was too small for the Nets starting lineup

Thomas had a solid 26-point performance against Cleveland off the bench.

Peter Sunjic

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Cameron Thomas is reliably one of the best scorers for the Brooklyn Nets, posting 20.5 points per game this season. Despite his offensive production, Cam got removed from the starting lineup in favor of Dorian Finney-Smith.

Jacque Vaughn initially said that the decision was to have better shot distribution and defense. After the loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Paris, Vaughn also noted that Cam’s size was also an issue for the Nets when they started games.

“For a while, we were starting him, but we were just pretty small, and it was tough for us to rebound... What I do see for him is he's a heck of a basketball player,” Coach Vaughn said in Cam’s role on the Nets. “My message to him was some nights you're gonna finish, some nights you're gonna start. Tonight, he didn't start, but he finished the game for us.”

Simmons’ absence reduces Thomas’ viability as a starter

Ben Simmons has been out injured since early November, which is a significant blow to the Nets’ plans this season. Coach Vaughn wanted to play a fast-paced style, spearheaded by Simmons due to his athleticism and passing ability in transition.

Starting Thomas is easier if Simmons is active. The Aussie is not only a strong playmaker, but he is also a superb defender and a decent rebounder due to his size. Since Thomas would be starting alongside Spencer Dinwiddie in the backcourt, Vaughn’s concerns about size are valid.

Following his reasoning, Vaughn should start Thomas when Ben returns because the size issue won’t be valid anymore. Simmons solves Brooklyn’s problems, but Cam’s role would be clear when he comes back.

Cam will be on the bench in the meantime

While Simmons is still on the mend, Thomas will continue to play off the bench. Cam is still a 20 PPG scorer, and he’s improving as a playmaker. Vaughn is patient with the 6’3” guard because he’s only 22 years old.

Dorian will keep playing as a forward while Mikal Bridges plays in the backcourt. There is a path for a prolific scorer to start with Ben’s return, but in the meantime, the LSU product will have to work on his playmaking and rebounding to help the team.

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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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