The Brooklyn Nets have been walking a tightrope early this season, juggling injuries and lineup changes that have tested their depth and adaptability. One of the biggest question marks hanging over the team right now? Cam Thomas.
Thomas hasn’t suited up since November 5, when he strained his left hamstring in a win over the Pacers. And while the Nets have managed to stay competitive, his absence has been felt-on the scoreboard, in the rotation, and in the overall rhythm of the offense.
Before Sunday’s game against the Raptors, head coach Jordi Fernandez gave an encouraging update on Thomas’ recovery. The 24-year-old guard recently participated in a full 5-on-5 scrimmage, a significant step forward. Fernandez didn’t offer a timetable for return, but his tone was optimistic.
“He looked really good,” Fernandez said. “And he’s going to continue to do that until we feel he’s ready to go.
It’s just a matter of when. We’re not targeting a specific date.
We want to see how he feels, then go to the next session, see how he feels, and then keep building from there. The No. 1 priority is him and his body.
And whenever he’s ready to help the team, he will.”
That’s a coach speaking with both caution and confidence-caution in not rushing a player back from a tricky soft-tissue injury, and confidence in the long-term value Thomas brings to this group.
And make no mistake, Thomas has been electric when healthy. In just eight games this season, he’s averaged 21.4 points per game, shooting with the kind of confidence and shot-making ability that gives Brooklyn a much-needed scoring punch.
He’s also chipped in 1.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, showing growth in his all-around game. But it’s the scoring that makes him such a weapon-he can get hot in a hurry, and the Nets have missed that spark.
This isn’t the first time a hamstring issue has slowed him down. The same injury limited him to just 25 appearances last season.
That history is part of why the Nets are being extra cautious now. They know what he can do when he’s right.
They also know how costly it can be if they push too soon.
There's another layer here, too-contract implications. Thomas accepted a $6 million qualifying offer last summer, betting on himself with an eye toward unrestricted free agency in 2026.
That makes this season a big one, not just for his development, but for how Brooklyn views him in their long-term plans. Trade chatter has naturally started to bubble up around the league, especially with the Nets evaluating their roster in real time.
But right now, the priority is health-not headlines.
So what’s next for Brooklyn? More waiting, more watching, and more 5-on-5 sessions behind the scenes.
Thomas’ return will come when his body says it’s ready-not a moment before. And while there’s no circled date on the calendar, the fact that he’s back scrimmaging is a strong indicator that the Nets could soon be getting one of their most dynamic scorers back in the fold.
For a team still figuring out its identity this season, that could be a game-changer.