When the Milwaukee Bucks tipped off against the Orlando Magic, it was the chance for the team’s new additions, guard Cam Thomas and wing Ousmane Dieng, to make their debuts for the franchise. Both players would make their first appearance in a Bucks uniform in the team’s 118-99 road loss to the Magic.
Feb 9, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) defends Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Cam Thomas and Ousmane Dieng Make Milwaukee Bucks Debuts
While the Milwaukee Bucks did not make any earth-shattering moves at the 2026 trade deadline, the team did add two new players to the roster after a trade and a waiver signing. 22-year-old wing Ousmane Dieng made his way over to Wisconsin after beginning the season with Oklahoma City, while shooting guard Cam Thomas journeyed to the Bucks after being let go by Brooklyn.
Oct 27, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Dieng has been a part of the Bucks since February 5th, but did not play in Milwaukee’s game against the Indiana Pacers the following day. Meanwhile, Thomas was signed off waivers on the 8th, and was ready to go on the 9th when the Bucks traveled to Orlando to face the Magic.
Doc Rivers checked Thomas into the contest to begin the second quarter. He was on the floor alongside Ryan Rollins in the backcourt for just over four minutes before being subbed out. He attempted no shots during his quick run.
In the fourth quarter, Thomas entered the game to begin the final period and played for most of the game’s final period. His first shot as a Milwaukee Buck was a baseline jumper that went around and out before somehow not falling through the net. He later scored his first points for the team on a transition layup where he drove past Magic big man Noa Penda. The shot dropped through the hoop despite goaltending by Orlando’s Anthony Black.
Cam Thomas gets his first points as a Buck. pic.twitter.com/skhkd8XXcL
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 10, 2026
Thomas did not make any more shots but did drop a nice assist out of a middle pick-and-roll where he found a rolling Pete Nance down low. He finished the game with a pair of free throws after being fouled on a drive. In 14 minutes, Thomas had 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 turnover. His 1-5 from the floor was boosted by 2-2 free throws.
Cam Thomas BUCKS DEBUT 4 Points, 1/5 FG full highlight vs Magic I 25-26 NBA Season pic.twitter.com/B7cCRpn9cG
— Hoops Showtime (@HoopsShowtime12) February 10, 2026
Dieng needed to wait until the 4th quarter for his first action. He played the final five minutes of the contest, which came at a point where the game was already out of hand and Orlando was almost certain to win. He was able to score his first points for the team on a pullup jump shot. He finished 1-3 from the floor with 2 points, 1 rebound., and 1 steal.
Nov 1, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng (13) walks back into position after a break in play during the second quarter at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Murphy-Imagn Images
What Fans Can Expect From Cam Thomas and Ousmane Dieng Moving Forward
Thomas has been a Buck for a very short time, and an inefficient start to his Milwaukee career in limited minutes barely 24 hours after signing with the team is nothing to put much stock into. What is more notable is the fact that Thomas and Gary Harris combined to soak up 27 combined minutes while Gary Trent Jr. was never called into action. This could be a sign of things to come for Doc Rivers’ rotation.
Apr 6, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) changes his shoe against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Dieng was only given garbage time minutes alongside deep rotation players like Pete Nance, Andre Jackson Jr., and even Thanasis Antetokounmpo. While he is a player with some legitimate NBA experience under his belt, he figures to need some time to carve out anything other than a cameo role for the squad.
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