The Nets were part of one of the biggest moves this offseason when Mikal Bridges went across the bridge to the Knicks. This positions you for the biggest role of your career thus far. How have you begun to approach and prepare for this increased role, not only physically but mentally? Cam Thomas: Just knowing that and embracing it. Attacking it head-on. I’ve kind of been having those roles [as the leader of the team] ever since I was in high school and college. So, I’m not really worried about it. I’m just excited to get it going and to try to do it in the League. I’m not really worried about it at all; I’m just ready.
Source: SLAM
Source: SLAM
More on this storyline
Walt “Clyde” Frazier knows what it looks like. He’s played on championship Knicks teams. He’s followed ones that have come close. The legendary Knicks player and announcer believes the current ensemble, fortified by the addition of Mikal Bridges, has what it takes to break through at some point soon after back-to-back trips to the Eastern Conference semifinals. “I see the vibes,” Frazier said Friday. “I see a lot of similarities with [our] championship teams, starting with the coach. [Tom Thibodeau] is a lot like Red Holzman. He holds the guys accountable, and they’re defensive oriented, and the players actually like each other. “I think this is going to be our year. Obviously, health is going to play a big factor into it. But if the Knicks can stay healthy, I think we can get back to our former grandeur.” -via New York Post / August 17, 2024
Ian Begley: Mikal Bridges, Miles McBride among the players on hand for Jalen Brunson’s captaincy event at MSG pic.x.com/x6fnlgfzgr -via Twitter @IanBegley / August 8, 2024
But Markkanen, behind the scenes, repeatedly expressed his desire to remain in Utah and his belief in Utah’s plan over the long term, according to league sources. He and his family have taken to the community, and the Jazz see him as someone who can be a central figure in a rebuild now and in the future. The Jazz have made multiple attempts to upgrade the roster and add a star next to Markkanen, including pursuits for Jrue Holiday last offseason and Mikal Bridges this year, league sources said. -via New York Times / August 7, 2024
You’re on a short list of the most talented young guards in the NBA. What do you think you need to do to get to that next level? Cam Thomas: Just doing everything—doing it consistently. I had the biggest jump in points from my second year to my third year. I was at 22.5 [points per game], so I think trying to get into that 25 ppg range, upping the playmaking and just trying to keep improving my all-around game. And hopefully, it leads to wins. -via SLAM / August 19, 2024
You’re mostly known for your ability to score at the highest level, and you’ve improved as a scorer each year since entering the League. Are there any specific things you’re focused on improving for next season? Cam Thomas: Nah, not really. I just want to keep working on everything. Last summer, I tried to put more emphasis on catch-and-shoot shooting, and I think I was way up in the League percentage-wise on catch-and-shoot [this past season]. So, just continue to work on that and fine-tuning the skills I had coming into the League, like my off-the-dribble stuff and finishing around the basket, [while] still improving on catch-and-shoot, trying to have the best percentage in the League. -via SLAM / August 19, 2024
Is there anything else Nets fans should look out for who follows you or the team? Cam Thomas: We’re not going to treat this as a rebuild as people say we’re doing. We’re going to go out there and compete and try to win every game. If we lose, we lose. We’re not going to throw games. We’re going to compete hard. It’s going to be entertaining and exciting with good, young Nets basketball. I can’t wait to see it. -via HoopsHype / July 18, 2024