Cam Thomas‘ being a ball hog has been a big talking point in recent months, but he put on quite an impressive playmaking display in the Brooklyn Nets‘ 132-127 overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns at The Venetian Arena, Macau, on Friday. Thomas has impressed with his passing in the preseason, so we asked him if we would see him be a bit more of a playmaker in 2025-26.
“No, I’m just playing my game,” Thomas said. “Whatever that is. Most teams are going to double-team me… When the guys make the shots, it’s going to lead to assists. So, I mean, I’m just going to play my game, and if that requires the assist, great. But, at the end of the day, I’m still a scorer.
“I’m still a scorer at heart,” Thomas said. “But it’s also adding that playmaking aspect, being able to make the right play and keep the defense honest. So, I mean, definitely just going to read the game. So, some games it might be a lot of assists, and most of the games going to be a lot of points, but it’s just about reading the game and taking what the defense gives me.”
Asked @24_camthomas if we are going to see him be a bit more of a playmaker for the @BrooklynNets in 2025-26 after an impressive passing game against the @Suns.
“I’m still a scorer at heart.” pic.twitter.com/CXVG9aQ03P
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) October 11, 2025
Thomas shone as both a scorer and playmaker against the Suns. The 23-year-old made his first six shots and had six assists by halftime. Thomas wouldn’t get another one, though, as he finished the game with 22 points (7-12 FG), three rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 24 minutes. He was definitely one of the biggest bright spots for the Nets in this one.
Prior to this contest, Thomas had put up eight points (4-7 FG), two rebounds, and four assists in 16 minutes in the Nets’ preseason opener against Hapoel Jerusalem B.C. He has passed the ball more than one might imagine, but he will stick to being a scorer for the most part.
Thomas made a big decision this offseason to accept the $6 million qualifying offer from the Nets. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026 and is betting on himself. Showing everyone that he is a willing passer might help Thomas get paid more.
Cam Thomas Dismissed Ball Hog Accusations
Thomas has a reputation for being a ball hog that he wants to shake off, but he has been unable to do so. He admitted he was frustrated by the false narratives that have been spread about him.
“I didn’t really put too much into it,” Thomas said. “But at the same time, you know, 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, and without actually looking at the facts and watching the games.”
Thomas also ripped The Ringer’s Zach Lowe when he stated that the consensus about the guard is that he is an “empty calories ball hog.”
Thomas averaged 24.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game for the Nets in 2024-25. We didn’t see him in action a lot, though, as hamstring injuries limited him to just 25 games.
Thomas will be hoping that the injury bug stays away this season, as it is the most important one so far in his young career. For now, though, he will be focusing on the Nets’ next preseason game against the Suns at The Venetian Arena on Sunday at 7 AM ET.
