It is no secret that Cam Thomas is one of the Brooklyn Nets' most prized players. The rising fourth-year guard has experienced a massive improvement in Brooklyn, and he is motivated to take his game to the next level during the 2024-25 NBA season.
During a stretch between Feb. 4 and Feb. 7 of 2023, Thomas became the youngest player in NBA history to score three straight 40-points games. However, this was simply a glimpse of his offensive upside. Thomas has increased his scoring averages every year. After starting at 8.5 points per game during his rookie year, he improved to 10.5 the following season before averaging a whopping 22.5 in 2023-24.
Given Thomas' trajectory and the Nets' focus on talent development and acquisition, ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks gave the guard an unreal scoring prediction for his next campaign.
"I think Cam Thomas, just based on this Nets team with a rookie head coach... I think he might lead the league in scoring," Marks said in a conversation with Zach Lowe, via "The Lowe Post" on YouTube.
Marks added that if Thomas does not lead the league in scoring, he will at least lead in shot attempts.
Will Cam Thomas make the ultimate jump in 2024-25?
With Mikal Bridges out of Brooklyn, Thomas might fulfill Marks' prediction and make the biggest jump of his career. The Nets' scoring load will be shared amongst their other contributors, but Thomas will undoubtedly be the primary option.
As easy as it would be for Thomas to sit back and go through the motions, he is preparing to become a greater leader for the Nets. There is no doubt that Thomas can flourish in his desired role, given the caliber of players he has shared the floor with.
Thomas played alongside star veterans like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving during his first two years in the league. Then, he got to see how Mikal Bridges conducted himself as the team's leader during his brief stint.
There is no greater time for Thomas to ascend and continue to prove himself as a franchise cornerstone.