The Brooklyn Nets are about to become must-watch TV, not because they are title contenders (sadly they just are not), but because they have assembled possibly the most unapologetically trigger-happy duo in the NBA. In one corner, we have got Cam Thomas, the certified bucket who treats passing like a suggestion. In the other, Michael Porter Jr., who might just actually be allergic to passing the rock. This is definitely basketball chaos waiting to happen, and fans should be interested in how this will all work out.
This is not a conventional pairing.
Porter and Thomas are both immensely talented, but they share a trait that is as much a red flag as it is a weapon, which is tunnel vision. These are players who were born to score. Thomas introduced himself to the league by becoming the youngest player ever to post three straight 40-point games back in 2023. MPJ, on the other hand, has never hesitated to rise up and fire, regardless of defensive pressure, game flow, or shot quality. It’s not that they can’t pass. It’s that passing has never been the priority. There is a reason the man earned the unofficial nickname “never swing the rock” for a reason.
Now, the Nets are pairing these two flame-throwers together. Is it logical? Not really. Is it going to be entertaining? Without question. Brooklyn traded Cam Johnson and picked up a 2032 first-rounder to get MPJ. In Denver, he played third fiddle behind Jokic and Murray, but now in Brooklyn, it could be his turn to be the guy or at least second in command. He has been awarded an even bigger green light now.
Thomas is still a restricted free agent but the young star in the making is expected back. And while neither of them would be described as “playmakers,” the Nets did just draft four guards in the 2025 NBA draft back in June, who can pass, which now feels intentional and makes more sense. Somebody has got to keep the ball moving while Cam and MPJ cook from both wings.
This is a move that is not about racking up wins.
Not yet at least. Brooklyn is still rebuilding, but what they have created is a masterpiece of shot-first energy. It is going to be unpredictable, unfiltered, and honestly? Kind of genius…or then again it might just go down in flames. So no, they might not fill up the stat sheet with a ton of assists. But buckets? Buckets are coming in waves. Barclays Stadium is about to turn into a fireworks show, and Cam Thomas and MPJ are holding all the matches.