Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas has shown promise at times on the court this season, and head coach Steve Nash believes that is because the rookie has expanded his offensive game.
Thomas entered the NBA draft known as a tremendous scorer. He led all freshmen in scoring last season at LSU after averaging 23 points per game. He also had the most 20-point outings in program history (22) since Shaquille O’Neal in 1992.
The pure-scoring skillset that Thomas brings can be valuable for the Nets but the 27th pick will also need to develop other areas of his game, something Nash detailed on Tuesday.
I think Cam has really made some growth with understanding to play he has to do a few things that he hasn’t been asked to do before. He has to really lock in defensively to the gameplan and make as few mistakes down there as possible. I think, offensively, understanding that he has gotta be a playmaker, too. If it is all scoring in this league, especially as a 6-foot-3 guard, you better be making shots at a very elite level.
Thomas, in 57 games, is averaging 9.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 19 minutes per game. He is one of just eight rookie players with at least one 30-point game this season and recently had a stretch in which he scored in double figures in nine consecutive games.
The scoring ability by Thomas has certainly been on display in various stints throughout the season. Nash and the Nets believe Thomas is a talented scorer but need him to take the next step in his offensive evolution in order to stay on the court.
We know he is a talented shot-maker and scorer but he has also to play cat and mouse with the defense and make passes and reads so that it is not all or nothing. I think he has been terrific at being open to that change and showing that he has the talent to pass the ball and that he can really grow into that type of combo guard that can facilitate and make plays for teammates.
Thomas has earned high praise from his teammates and coaching staff throughout the season. He has stepped up in various stretches to lead the Nets and has shown that he can make big contributions in the second unit when called upon.
The team knew Thomas would need development to expand his game and it appears that work is starting to pay off for him and the team. With the help of Nash and the rest of the team, it may only be a matter of time before Thomas can take the next step in his development.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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