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Nets' Cameron Thomas Addresses Minutes Limitation After Close Loss

Originally posted on Brooklyn Nets on SI
By Peter Sunjic | Last updated Dec 1, 2023 5:53 AM ET

Cameron Thomas put in a fantastic performance in his return to action by scoring 26 points off the bench. It was a familiar feeling for the Brooklyn Nets fans because he was the team’s best player in the early part of the season before he got injured.

Now, he has returned from his ankle injury, and it looks like he hasn’t lost a step. Unfortunately for him, he had to play under a minutes restriction which was in effect in the final stretch of the game. This did not go well with the fans because the Charlotte Hornets won the game by one point and having Cam out there could’ve been the deciding factor. Thomas, however, is not too bothered with the restriction.

“I mean, it was just a minutes restriction. Obviously, you want to be out there, that’s the competitor in me,” Cam said in his post-game presser. “But whatever the plan is, that’s the plan… it’s all good.”

Cam would’ve changed the complexion of the game

With his 26-point performance, Cam would’ve been a massive contributor in the final few minutes. Mikal Bridges couldn’t buy a bucket and having another top-tier scorer in the game would’ve boosted the Nets’ offense.

His presence alone would’ve changed the Hornets’ defensive coverage because they had to take note of him and his ability to create shots. Unfortunately, he and head coach Jacque Vaughn had to adhere to the minutes restriction and let the starting five continue to play.

The restriction will gradually fade

As Cam continues to ramp up and recover, his ankle injury will be a thing of the past.

This suggests he'll probably return to the starting lineup, as he did before the injury, potentially raising concerns about their defense, considering they may need to place Dorian Finney-Smith on the bench, thus compromising their defensive strength.

Defense has been a concern this season, particularly with Ben Simmons sidelined. Cam excelled with Ben in the backcourt, but now he'll team up with Spencer Dinwiddie, a solid veteran but slightly slower and lacking defensive prowess the Australian guard possesses.

It would be an interesting situation for coach Vaughn because the LSU product is the team’s best offensive player. He will have to make some tough decisions, but it’s a good problem to have given the Nets are jam-packed with talented players.

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

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