Cam Thomas is going to score, because that’s what he’s always done when given playing time during his first three seasons with the Nets.
But first-year coach Jordi Fernandez has been trying to impress upon Thomas throughout training camp the importance of being less of a free-wheeling volume shooter and more of an efficient player who still can get his buckets within the offense and without forcing the action.
The early results through two preseason games have been encouraging, as Thomas has averaged 14.5 points while shooting 55.5 percent from the floor and 50.0 percent from 3-point range (4-for-8) in just 20.5 minutes per game.
“I mean, I’m just getting to my spots. There’s not really much difference [that] I’m doing,” Thomas said after scoring a team-high 17 in Monday’s 39-point win over Washington. “Other than getting out and running more and getting a lot of easier shots, I’m just playing off the ball a little bit and just shooting the catch-and-shoot shots that I’m given.
“Obviously, at some point, I’m going to be able to create, do a lot of the one-on-one game, because sometimes that’s what the game requires. But right now, I’m just trying to play within the offense and just find my spots.”
The 23-year-old Thomas, the No. 27 overall pick out of LSU in 2021, led the Nets in scoring (22.5 ppg) in 66 appearances last season, but he could raise those numbers with Mikal Bridges (19.6 ppg) traded to the Knicks over the summer.
Thomas has room for improvement with a 34.4 percent career mark from long distance, including a 36.4 3-point shooting percentage in 2023-24.
Still, Fernandez wants the 6-foot-3 wing to become a more complete player at both ends.
He likes what he’s seen so far in the preseason entering Wednesday’s road games against the 76ers.
“I like his ball pressure. He picked up and he turned the ball and he was engaged,” Fernandez said of Thomas after Monday’s win. “And you see CT is not just trying to take shots right now. … If you do your math, if he would have played more minutes, he’s right at his average. But also efficient, defensively engaged, communicating, try and being physical.
“So I’m very happy with him. I’ve gotta keep finding ways to help him more. But so far, the way he has been (open) to try these on things, he’s rebounded, five rebounds [Monday night]. CT has been very good back-to-back games right now, so I expect him to be very good for the rest of the preseason and for 82 more games.”
With big men Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe dealing with preseason injuries, Fernandez has employed a smaller starting lineup featuring two point guards, Dennis Schroder and 6-10 former All-Star Ben Simmons.
The latter has been guarding opposing centers at times, but Thomas likes the ball-handling dynamic that alignment brings.
“It’s definitely a good lineup that we can use,” Thomas said. “Obviously having two guys out there who can play-make for the shooters helps. And I feel like it’s really a good benefit that we have with that lineup.
“I feel like either one of them, whoever gets to rebound, can bring it up and get us in a good set. So I feel like just having that is good for us to use, and we just got to keep working.”
