The Brooklyn Nets are being led by a new wave of growing stars, and Cam Thomas is at the forefront of the movement. Thomas is known for his exceptional three-level scoring ability, and his reputation remains strong through the first part of the 2024-25 season. However, Thomas' foul call trouble has been a point of emphasis, particularly after the Nets' Oct. 29 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Thomas scored 26 points and went to the free throw line nine times, making all of his attempts. However, after the game, Jordi Fernandez expressed discontent with the relatively few foul calls Thomas got from the referees, per Brian Lewis.
One of the reasons for Fernandez's revelation is the close calls Thomas has had when nearly colliding with defenders during his jump shot landings. In response, Thomas said he might need to go to the basket harder to get more calls.
Brooklyn's foul call issues are strikingly similar to the team's 2018 problems with officials. Former point guard Spencer Dinwiddie was particularly vocal about the issue. In an iconic postgame interview after one of the Nets' regular season games, Dinwiddie spoke about how he felt the team could have gotten more calls but also took accountability like Thomas did, saying the Nets needed to be stronger and play through it:
Dinwiddie said the phrase "You know what I'm saying" more times than one could count. But the point he was getting across is that the Nets deserved more calls, especially when compared to how other more-star-studded teams were being treated. At the same time, Brooklyn did not and still does not control the referees, so they must keep attacking and play hard regardless.
Cam Thomas won't be backing down anytime soon
As Thomas mentioned, he will continue his strategic attack of the basket to put pressure on defenses and help the Nets anyway he can. Thomas' slashing has been an integral part of his offense. It was one of the reasons the Nets were able to compete so well with the Nuggets.
Thomas shot a lowly 1-for-8 on his three-pointers and was 8-for-22 from the field, so his nine made free throws made a difference. It is no secret Thomas likes to catch defenders off balance with shifty jump shots, but slashing to the rim keeps opposing defenses honest and adds a greater unpredictability element to his game.
Brooklyn needs Thomas to continue mixing in rim attacks with his shots, especially given that Ben Simmons has been relatively unassertive in his slashing through the first part of the season.
Surely, Thomas and the Nets will stay grounded during their struggles and do everything in their power to help the offense be successful.