USA Today via Reuters
Brooklyn Nets shooting guard James Harden (13) reacts after a basket against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter of game five of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Brooklyn Nets shooting guard James Harden (13) reacts after a basket against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter of game five of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Brooklyn Nets rookie Cameron Thomas has tied high hopes amongst fans long before the 2021-22 regular season’s commencement. Excellence at college basketball coupled with a highlight start to the preseason, Thomas is showing potential early on. His star teammate and role model, James Harden, is impressed with his skill set.
First, let’s find out why Cam Thomas is such a big deal as the 27th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Thomas is off to a great start. Averaging 27 points per game, the Nets rookie was named the co-MVP in the 2021 NBA Summer League, Las Vegas. Thomas shared this honor with Sacramento Kings point guard Davion Mitchell.
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Post his early popularity, the 19-YO also shined in his preseason debut against the bigwig Lakers. Even though it was a shorthanded matchup from both ends, Thomas played a pivotal role by scoring 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in 22 minutes of gameplay including 50% shooting from the field and 1-of-3 shots from beyond the arc.
James Harden is an inspiration to the Brooklyn Nets rookie
Talking about Thomas’ young talent, Brooklyn’s superstar James Harden gave a big statement. The Beard, who was Cameron’s favorite player while growing up, says that the five-star recruit reminds him of himself.
Nets beat writer Alex Schiffer tweeted – “James Harden said Cam Thomas reminds him of himself, but Thomas is a better scorer than he was coming out of ASU. Harden was Thomas’ favorite player growing up and The Beard said he can see where Thomas has tried to take parts of his game and put it into his own.”
James Harden said Cam Thomas reminds him of himself, but Thomas is a better scorer than he was coming out of ASU. Harden was Thomas’ favorite player growing up and The Beard said he can see where Thomas has tried to take parts of his game and put it into his own.
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) October 7, 2021
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Is Cam Thomas the next Harden of the league?
During his freshman year, Cam Thomas led the scoring charts with an average of 23 points per game, along with 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. He was also named to the First Team All-SEC.
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The preseason has started well for Thomas. Amongst top draft picks, including Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green, who knows Cam Thomas would be a bigger package. His rookie season awaits. Will he be the next James Harden? The dominance, the tenacity, and the scoring monster inside Harden is a tough role to duplicate. Thomas will be surely looking to impress his seniors in the upcoming season.
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