© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Why Cam Thomas' growth as a communicator helps Brooklyn win games
Brooklyn Nets earned a massive win against the Cavaliers in a 120-101 blowout. The first half was a close game, but the Nets stepped on the gas pedal for the second half. Coach Kevin Ollie’s team looked cohesive as every player moved to the right spots on the court and defended with cohesion.
Everyone in the Nets organization was pleased with the performance, as Coach Ollie and Cameron Thomas showed in their post-game interviews. It is a performance that the team must channel for the rest of the season if they want to keep battling for that Play-In Tournament spot.
“Communication. I was a big catalyst in the talking. Just talking more to the guys, getting them hyped up, and telling them what we need to do to get a win,” Cam said in the post-game interview on the YES broadcast.
“We’re in the stage of the season where we have to get wins, so everybody has to do something that they’re not used to. And for me, that's talking to the guys and getting them hyped up.”
Cam is growing as a leader
Thomas is not known as a loud player, but seeing him become more vocal on the court is a promising sign for the long-term future. Cam cementing himself as a leader instills confidence in the rest of the team.
In his third year, at 22 years old, the former LSU Tiger is progressing into becoming a locker-room figure. Most of his teammates have held him in high regard, but emerging as a vocal leader can elevate him into stardom for this Nets team.
He is not just being vocal because Cam also leads by example on the court. Not only did he score 29 points, he also grabbed seven rebounds and dished out five assists. His on-court impact was second to none, and the Nets should embrace his ascent to stardom.
The Nets have a centerpiece for the long-term future
With his rapid development, Brooklyn has a readymade star on the roster. The front office has always chased stars through trades, and Cam’s growth can entice other players to join him in Brooklyn. With Mikal Bridges as another enticing player, the Nets’ future is brighter than most people realize.
It’s not surprising that Nets fans have embraced Cam as their building block for the long-term future because he has all the intangibles you would want from a go-to scorer who aims to lead the team.
