On Sunday, the Milwaukee Bucks signed former Nets guard Cam Thomas to a rest-of-season minimum contract after he was waived by Brooklyn following the deadline. In and out with injury, Thomas failed to mesh with the Nets’ young lineup and is having his most inefficient season.
To address a need for scoring, the Bucks took a swing on a pure bucket-getter who averaged 22.9 points per game over the prior seasons. For Thomas, it’s a chance for a fresh start after a sour ending to his time in Brooklyn. The former 27th pick is eager to contribute for his new team.
Bucks buy low on a sparkplug scorer. Thomas gets a chance to build back his value
“It’s new beginnings,” Thomas said Monday. “Happy for the opportunity, happy everybody is embracing me. You know, everybody’s happy that I’m here, everybody wanted me. So I feel great and can’t wait to get on the court and help win.”
Oct 27, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) takes a three point shot past Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
In 24 games for the Nets, Thomas averaged 15.6 points and 3.1 assists on 39.9/32.5/84.1 shooting splits. His 46.1 effective field goal percentage of 46.1 was the worst of his five-year career. Combined with his defensive shortcomings, that inefficiency contributed to -0.1 win shares in Brooklyn. He was, clearly, a negative asset to the team.
The Bucks are banking on a bounceback. Certainly Thomas should have an opportunity. The offense needs another scorer. Backup point guard Cole Anthony is no longer here. Thomas isn’t much of a facilitator and he definitely isn’t a point guard, but if there’s one thing he can do it’s create shots for himself. Milwaukee had an open roster spot after the trade deadline; they don’t have much to lose by taking a flyer on Thomas.
“You know, the front office told me that they always wanted me, always called about me, always trying to get me here for years. So that definitely plays a part in your decision to go somewhere.”
It’s possible that the broken relationship between player and franchise contributed to his poor performance in Brooklyn. The two sides mucked through a summer-long stalemate in restricted free agency before Thomas finally signed the one-year qualifying offer. This offseason, he will be an unrestricted free agent.
Nov 9, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) looks to shoot in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Thomas seems unlikely to remain in Milwaukee beyond this season. Last summer, he believed himself deserving of a multi-year deal worth in the $30-35 million annual salary range. Even with his market value taking a hit amid a down year – perhaps he can salvage some of it with a strong finish – Thomas will probably seek a contract the Bucks would be foolish to give him.
Still, he could help them fight for a Play-in berth down the stretch. At 21-29, the 12th-place Bucks trail the surging Hornets by 2.5 games for the 10-seed. They sit three games behind Atlanta in ninth.
“I’m just happy to be here. Happy to help. I can’t wait to get to winning with the guys, for sure.”
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