Return of Cam Thomas gives Nets fans a reason to watch after the All-Star break

With Brooklyn guard Cam Thomas (left hamstring) expected to return shortly, Nets fans have at least one legitimate reason to watch after the break.

The Nets have missed Thomas for six-plus weeks, also losing him for over a month earlier this season due to the same hamstring. Thomas left injured once again, in just his second game back on the floor, during Brooklyn’s Jan. 2 upset win over the Bucks.

Entering the final stretch of his fourth season, playing out a $4 million team option, there’s a lot left on the line for both parties. 

Regardless of how Brooklyn factors into his future, Thomas is playing for a franchise’s belief in him as a future All-Star, when healthy. Through 66 games in his third NBA season, the former LSU star posted 22.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game on 44.2 percent shooting from the floor and 36.4 percent from behind the arc.

Now, there’s only a 19-game sample size from his 2024-25 campaign thus far, but those numbers have improved to 24.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 44.8 percent shooting overall and 37.5 percent from deep. 

If you put that up against first-time All-Star selection and Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro — at 23.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game (46.5 FG%, 38 3PT%) this season — Thomas is theoretically trending toward similar All-Star considerations if he can stay on the court, continue to blossom as a passer and has a team give him the platform competitively. How much would that cost the Nets, though? 

If it ain’t about the money… 

Brooklyn’s Cam Johnson made over $25 million coming off 15.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game (2022-23). Herro made $27 million coming off 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game (2022-23).  Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III, who was selected 10 picks earlier than Thomas in 2021, is set to make $25-31 million per year over the next four seasons on roughly 18-5-3 and 45/37/86 shooting over his last 85 games.

With Thomas good for roughly 23-3-3 on 44/37/86 over his last 85 contests, you’d have to imagine that also commands the same $25 million per year range, if health concerns are alleviated.

D’Angelo Russell, averaging roughly 16-3-5 on 42/37/87 over his last 85 in comparison, is playing out a $18.6 million player option and seems to truly embrace his leadership role, as well as the idea of an extended stay in the borough. Thomas and Russell moving forward as the franchise’s backcourt just isn’t a viable long-term solution given the investment needed paired with conflicting skill sets, so one (if not both) has to go in the end.

Draft position, free agency and superstar availability could all change this conversation in an instant, but just like any other time in his career, though now more than ever, Thomas is playing to earn his keep and get paid out.

Considering his mentality and style, alongside the chance to help push Brooklyn toward the play-in, Thomas is easily the most interesting Nets player to watch the rest of this season.