Nets' Cam Thomas Fires Back at ESPN Insider Over 'Empty Calories Ball Hog' Criticism

With these moves, the Nets are trying to turn things around as they try to become a contender once again.

Cam Thomas Receives Criticism From ESPN Insider

While the Nets are trying to turn their franchise around amid their rebuild, the main headline for them throughout the offseason was the saga between them and Thomas.

Of course, Brooklyn was unwilling to meet Thomas’ asking price for a new contract which caused the young guard to sign his qualifying offer which will make him an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

For Thomas, he has played a key role for the Nets over the past four seasons but he received some criticism this offseason from ESPN insider Zach Lowe.

“The consensus on Cam Thomas — if there is one, and he's got some fans, and he's got some mega-detractors - but the consensus is kind of like Empty Calories Ball Hog,” Lowe wrote.

Cam Thomas Fires Back at Zach Lowe

During media day on Tuesday, Thomas fired back at Lowe over these comments and sent a strong message to his critics.

“People just wanted to do clicks in the offseason. It gets frustrating, whether you want to admit it or not, that people keep trying to spread these narratives and lies about you that just isn't true without actually looking at the facts and watching our games. Being honest, I'm pretty sure not many people watched the Nets last year that was actually (able) to comment on the situation,” Thomas said.

Thomas made sure to fire a straight shot at his critics, including Lowe, as he shut down the narrative about him that some around the NBA have spread.

Of course, the 23-year-old guard has been a key contributor for the Nets during his time in the NBA and he is coming off arguably the best season of his young career.

Last season, Thomas averaged 24.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 34.9% from three.

The young guard now enters the new season looking to quiet his critics as he tries to put together another solid campaign before hitting free agency next summer.