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Brooklyn Nets' Cam Thomas Talks Relationship with Coach Jacque Vaughn

Originally posted on Brooklyn Nets on SI
By Marin Gabric | Last updated Dec 4, 2023 5:57 AM ET

Since being drafted 27th overall by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cameron Thomas has been mentored by Coach Jacque Vaughn. Initially, under the leadership of Steve Nash in his first year, Vaughn took over and developed a strong connection with Thomas.

Now, Cam has taken the golden opportunity he received from coach Vaughn, and has turned it into immense success. He has become the go-to scorer for the Nets, usurping Mikal Bridges who held that role for the second half of the 2022/23 season.

Now, they are working well as a one-two punch with Cam as the first option with his natural ability to create shots.

“It’s gotten better, we got a better relationship now as far as I can go up to him. As far as communication, asking what he wants of you, me asking him like stuff of him, I think communication is great,” Thomas said on JJ Redick’s The Old Man and the Three.

There was a bump in the road for Cam and Jacque

Cam indicated that there were some moments when he and Jacque did not see eye-to-eye, specifically with his playing time. He cited a time when Kyrie Irving was sidelined which could’ve been the perfect chance for Cam to play heavy minutes. Unfortunately, that didn't pan out the way the LSU product wanted.

Over time, the communication between the Nets' scoring guard and coach Vaughn improved, fostering a stronger relationship and securing Thomas the playing time he deserves. Now, he is reciprocating coach's trust as the team's top scorer and a dependable teammate.

Cam became more mature under Jacque

Cameron acknowledged that without the right mindset, he might have reacted poorly to certain situations. He made sure to consider what it’s like to be in the coach’s shoes which is why he was patient with the situation.

Moving forward, expect this player-coach partnership to be strong. It's probable that they'll remain key figures for the Brooklyn Nets in the foreseeable future.

Cam will continue to bring his brand of basketball while Jacque remains committed to nurturing and enhancing the talents of his players.

This article first appeared on Brooklyn Nets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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