Cam Thomas was recruited by the Nets as the 27th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. At 22, he is a top scorer for Brooklyn. Given his skills and mentality, Cam definitely has a bright future ahead of him. In the nine games he has played for the Nets so far in the season, he has averaged 26.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists. However, his first year playing in the NBA was something different than he anticipated.

Being a rookie in the NBA, playing alongside and against experienced stars, and constantly being overshadowed, is something young players have to deal with. The many unique experiences of a rookie in the big league are something that rarely gets talked about. On this note, Thomas shares his encounters as a newcomer.

They throw you in out of nowhere

Sitting down with seasoned pro player JJ Redick in his podcast The Old Man and The Three, Cam gets into the woes of being a rookie in the NBA. For him, the hardest part was being told that he would be playing the game. Naturally, he would pump himself up, getting into the zone. But, countless times, his entry to the court was delayed, and by the time he would be subbed in, he would lose his edge.

“That’s probably the hardest part for me, being told that you going to get in and then you don’t get in and they just throw you in out of nowhere,” says Cam. Reddick, in response, rightfully sums that up as “mental f**kery.” Despite this, Cam’s spirit and confidence were not wavered, and he was never discouraged.

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Cam derives his inspiration and style from Kobe

It is no secret that Cam is a huge fan of Kobe Bryant; this is also the sole reason he wears the number 24 as an homage to his idol. He even tries to model his playing style after the Black Mamba. Thomas has even admitted that he gets his seriousness and mentality from Kobe, in trying to emulate his favorite player.

As for the Nets, they were on a three-game-winning streak until Thursday’s narrow 129-128 loss to the Hornets. Despite the loss, Cam emerged as the top scorer for the Nets with 26 points. He also contributed 1 block and 1 assist across the 25 minutes he played.

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