The Brooklyn Nets are laying the foundation for a long-term rebuild, one that may not yield immediate results but could evolve into a NBA contending core in the years ahead. At the center of that vision is Cam Thomas — a rising scorer who, despite his potential, continues to draw sharp criticism. This time, the 23-year-old guard chose not to stay quiet.
“The consensus on Cam Thomas — if there is one, and he’s got some fans, and he’s got some mega-detractors — but the consensus is kind of like empty calories, ball hog,” ESPN’s Zach Lowe said recently on his podcast.
Thomas didn’t take the comment lightly and responded directly to Lowe and others who share that view. “The consensus? F*** you and the consensus @ZachLowe_NBA,” he wrote on X. “This is most likely the same consensus teams who can’t guard me and send double teams from jump ball. Why are we double teaming a guy who’s ‘not that good’? Make it make sense please.”
Thomas remains one of the most polarizing players in the NBA as he nears the end of his rookie contract. While his scoring instincts are undeniable, critics have questioned his playmaking ability and commitment on the defensive end — concerns that raise doubts about his role in a playoff-caliber rotation.
Over the past two seasons, Thomas has stepped into a leading role for the Nets, averaging 22.9 points and 3.1 assists per game with shooting splits of 44/36/86 across 91 appearances. However, Brooklyn went just 31-60 in those games, underscoring the team’s broader struggles.
With the offseason additions of Michael Porter Jr., Drew Timme, and continued development from Nic Claxton, the Nets hope to show improvement this season. While they’re unlikely to emerge as contenders in the NBA Eastern Conference just yet, Thomas will finally have more support around him to evolve alongside the team’s growing core.
Still, Thomas feels the criticism is misinformed. “Last time speaking on some s**t,” he wrote in a follow-up post on X. “Empty calories? First off, we were the 5th or 6th team in the East before my injury and the trades. Can’t control what the GM wants to do with the team. Second, ball hog? I was 2nd on the team in assists — not counting the PGs traded away and traded for…”