The Brooklyn Nets had a highly promising showing against the Chicago Bulls on Friday night, Brooklyn entered the matchup with momentum following their double-digit win over the Memphis Grizzlies. As expected, Cam Thomas confidently led the Nets' offensive attack; however, naturally, some still question the other areas of his game.
Thomas finished the game with 32 points, shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 36.4 (4-for-11) percent on his three-pointers. His scoring outing is close to his points-per-game average through the first part of 2024-25 season.
There is no question of Thomas' offensive ability but questions of his playmaking and defense still ring in fans' and analysts' minds. Thomas gave an eye-opening response when asked about the narratives about him as a player:
“The people who say that [stuff], I feel like they don’t really watch the games because I do a lot more than just score... But I never really cared what people say. I know what I bring to the table as a player," Thomas said, per Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.
Thomas feels like he brings more to the table than just offense, and he supported his comments with his play on Friday night. In addition to his plus-30-point scoring outing, he dished four assists, a number that is 1.2 more than his average in 2024-25.
Some may question the other facets of Thomas's game, given that scoring is what is most apparent. Thomas could still improve his playmaking, but his play against the Bulls shows he is moving in the right direction.
Thomas may not need to be the playmaker or defender some expect him to be
Cam Thomas knows what he brings to the Nets. He has an unquestionable scoring ability that is among the best in the NBA, and that might be all he needs to help he and his team have success.
If Thomas does not significantly improve his playmaking or defense, all is not lost. The Nets can ensure there are players around Thomas to fit those needs. One example of someone who helps Thomas compensate is Ben Simmons.
Simmons, along with Dennis Schroder, leads Brooklyn's distribution duties and one of the most versatile defenders on the roster. He dished a team-high 11 assists and blocked two shots in the Nets' 120-112 win over the Bulls on Friday night.
With someone like Simmons playing his role, Thomas can focus on doing what he does best: score. Of course, that does not mean he should not make a point to improve the other areas of his game. Thomas wants to retain some element of unpredictability and keep opposing defenses on their toes, and being able to effectively pass and bring more intensity defensively will help him do that.