Cam Thomas is one of the NBA’s most natural scorers, there is no real debate about that. Give him the ball, give him space, and he will put points on the board in a hurry. He averaged 24 points per game this season, often creating shots off the dribble. In stretches, he looked like the kind of player who could carry an offense. But scoring is only part of the job. And the Brooklyn Nets now face a complicated question…how much is a one-dimensional scorer worth on a team still figuring out its identity?
This past season Thomas showcased his ability to make tough shots look easy and proved that he can heat up in ways few players can. But he also missed most of the season with injuries, posted low assist rates, and was a non-factor defensively. And now he’s reportedly in line for a contract that could pay him up to $25 million a year.
What the Nets are committing to:
This isn’t a new dilemma for front offices. Every few years, a player comes along who scores in bunches but doesn’t offer much else, think of players like Jordan Clarkson, Jonathan Kuminga or even a prime Lou Williams. These guys are valuable, but only when they’re paid like what they are which are elite role players. The second you start treating them like franchise centerpieces, the cap math gets ugly.
That’s where the Nets seem to be headed.
Thomas lives in that uncomfortable middle ground. Young, talented, and absolutely capable of getting his own shot, but not a player you build a system around. His assist-to-turnover ratio is poor. His defensive effort and awareness are inconsistent. He hasn’t shown the ability to elevate teammates, organize an offense, or anchor a lineup. He gets you points, but at $25 million a year, you need a whole lot more than that.
That’s what makes this moment so pivotal for Brooklyn. After clearing the books in recent years and trading away star power, the Nets are finally in a position to rebuild the right way. It’s not just about Cam Thomas. It’s about how easy it is to misread production on a bad team. When a player puts up numbers on a 26-win roster, it’s tempting to project upside that may never fully develop. Especially when you need someone to emerge as a cornerstone.
Smart teams let the market speak.
As a restricted free agent, Thomas doesn’t need to be overpaid to be retained. If another team sees him as a breakout star and offers him $25 mill per year, fine, let them. Match it only if you believe he’ll grow into more than a scorer. Otherwise, show discipline and patience and walk away from what might be trouble down the line.
Cam Thomas can absolutely help a winning team. But he’s likely a third option, or a dynamic bench scorer on a good one. Not a foundational piece. And the Nets need to recognize that before they throw a maxag at the idea of potential, only to find themselves trapped by it.
The most painful part of a rebuild isn’t losing games, it’s misallocating money. Overpaying Cam Thomas now won’t just set the wrong tone. It could lock the Nets into mediocrity for more years to come.