Ladies and gentlemen, the dog days are officially upon us. Summer League wrapped up three weeks ago and training camp is seven weeks ahead… there’s no denying that we’re in the thick of it right now.
We might have even reached the point which Cam Thomas’ contract situation feels like a blessing in disguise, purely because it’s a source of entertainment during a very dry point in the year. The bucket-getter from the Bayou remains unsigned exactly one month since the free agency moratorium was lifted.
So, we’ll turn to the players themselves for something to lean on. A handful have been putting in work this past week, including Thomas. Let’s start with him.
When is isn’t cooking Zach Lowe on X, Thomas is spending time in the gym. Most recently, with Justin Cooper, a NYC-based development coach. Cooper posted two reels on Instagram this week with CT, one where they were shown working on finishing around the rim and then another featuring some of the flashy stepbacks that we’re more accustomed to seeing from Thomas.
Two weeks ago, we also got one clip of Cam working on his off-ball movement. Last year, CT shot 35.8% on catch-and-shoot field goal attempts, the lowest figure he’s posted there since his rookie campaign.
Tyson Etienne, one of Brooklyn’s two-ways who got some significant burn at the tail end of last year, also hit the hardwood recently (Shoutout to NetsKingdom).
Etienne averaged 13.0 points, two boards, and 2.5 assists per game in the summer league this year, though he appeared in just two games for the Nets. Tosan Evbuomwan holds Brooklyn’s other two-way contract, leaving one more still up for grabs.
Just in time for back-to-school season, Noah Clowney paid a visit to his alma mater, getting some shots up with the Men’s Alabama Basketball team.
Tyrese Martin also got shots up with the Lafayette Men’s basketball team last week. Although Martin played his college ball at Rhode Island and UConn, he’s a Lehigh Valley native, which Lafayette resides in.
Terrance Mann might have already gained some favor with Jordi Fernández. If I had a nickel for every time the coach mentioned the importance of his team’s “fight” even despite a loss last year, I might be able to give Cam Thomas the Jalen Green-sized contract he may or may not be asking for.
Regardless, despite having not even logged a minute for the Nets yet, and even if in a playful way, Mann is already talking about fighting on X. I think he’ll fit right in here.
On the other hand, Michael Porter Jr. hasn’t been as aware of his new surroundings. The NBA champ and long awaited Cameron Johnson exchange posted another vlog on his channel Curious Mike last week documenting his first weekend in New York City. While Porter Jr. could be seen getting some on-court work, eats, and baseball in, there was one moment where he appeared to try and give a homeless man some cash who vehemently rejected him.
As you’d expect, social media had a field day with that one.