Over the weekend, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers put a pause on the Cam Thomas experiment that initially showed so much promise. Thomas played a mere three minutes in Saturday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks and didn't see the floor in Sunday's win over the Indiana Pacers.
From Hot Start to Limited Minutes
It seems like ages ago when Thomas lit up the scoreboard with 34 points against the Orlando Magic in just his second game with the Bucks. Fast forward to mid-March, and he's finding playing time hard to come by, averaging just 7.4 points in 13.4 minutes this month.
The Bucks managed to snap a four-game losing streak on Sunday, but they've dropped seven of their last ten games. Thomas isn't alone in his struggles; Rivers has been constantly tweaking the lineup and rotation, which can disrupt team rhythm.
To be fair to Rivers, the Bucks have been riding a rollercoaster this season, battling inconsistency across the board. This has led to some key players seeing reduced court time, while others, like Pete Nance on a two-way contract, are stepping in for veterans.
Thomas seemed like a great addition for Milwaukee, especially when they needed a scoring boost off the bench with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined. Initially, Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins stabilized the starting lineup, with Thomas adding firepower from the bench.
Shift in Strategy Affects Thomas' Role
Recently, Rivers discussed adopting a bigger lineup, a logical move given the Bucks' rebounding and interior defense struggles. This shift has meant fewer minutes for Thomas, and even AJ Green has found himself benched. The Bucks have experimented with a towering lineup featuring Ousmane Dieng, Kyle Kuzma, Giannis, and Myles Turner, showcasing their commitment to size.
Giannis' return was supposed to be a turning point for the Bucks, who were on a decent run. However, the constant lineup changes have hindered continuity and chemistry, leaving many players struggling to find their groove. Some of this falls on Rivers, but players also need to step up.
The Bucks' recent rotation adjustments haven't been the solution, which might open the door for Thomas to re-enter the mix. Initially brimming with potential, Thomas now joins several teammates vying for their spot in the rotation.