Cameron Bouchea “Cam” Thomas, born on October 13, 2001, in Yokosuka, Japan, is an American professional basketball player currently with the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. Standing at 1.91 meters, he plays as a shooting guard.
Early Life and Education
Thomas was born in Yokosuka, Japan, while his mother, Leslie Thomas, was stationed there during her military service. He began his high school basketball career at Oscar F. Smith High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, before transferring to Oak Hill Academy for his junior year. At Oak Hill, he averaged 26.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, leading his team to a 31–5 record. In his senior year, he improved his averages to 31.5 points, six rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer.
Thomas committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) on November 18, 2019. In his freshman year, he led all freshmen in scoring with an average of 23.0 points per game, along with 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists. His performance earned him a spot on the First-Team All-SEC. After one season, he declared for the 2021 NBA Draft.
Professional Career
The Brooklyn Nets selected Thomas with the 27th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He signed a four-year, $10.4 million contract with the team on August 5, 2021. Thomas made an immediate impact in the NBA Summer League, where he was named co-MVP alongside Davion Mitchell, averaging 27 points per game.
Throughout his NBA career, Thomas has had several standout performances:
- On February 4, 2023, he scored 44 points in a victory over the Washington Wizards.
- Two days later, he set a career-high with 47 points against the Los Angeles Clippers, becoming the second-youngest player in NBA history to record consecutive 40-point games, behind LeBron James.
- On February 7, 2023, he notched 43 points against the Phoenix Suns, making him the youngest player to score at least 40 points in three consecutive games.
In the 2023–24 season, Thomas continued to excel, with notable performances including 45 points against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 6, 2023, and 41 points against the Golden State Warriors on December 16, 2023.
Recent Developments
The Brooklyn Nets are currently facing a challenging season, marked by a seven-game losing streak. As the team looks toward the future, 23-year-old Cam Thomas remains a focal point due to his scoring ability. However, he has faced challenges with injuries, efficiency, and defense. As a restricted free agent, Thomas aims to demonstrate his durability and versatility in the remaining games to secure his future with the team.
In a recent game against the Golden State Warriors, Thomas delivered an impressive performance with 23 points, seven assists, and three rebounds in 26 minutes. His focus remains on winning games and building team momentum as he approaches free agency.
Cam Thomas’s journey reflects his dedication and potential as a significant contributor to the Brooklyn Nets’ future success.