NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas has not played for the Nets since Nov. 5 after suffering a left hamstring strain in a 112-103 win at the Indiana Pacers. While Thomas has missed Brooklyn’s last 20 games with his hamstring strain, he has recently ramped up his workload to the point that he is expected to play on Saturday at the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“CT is expected to play tomorrow,” Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez said of Thomas following Friday’s practice in which Thomas could be seen taking part in the post-practice free-throw segment. Thomas had been doing on-court workouts and recently participated in 5-on-5 scrimmages, but he had not been deemed ready to play until Friday when Fernandez described his return and what that means for the team.
“It’s more just how he feels. No pressure. I still feel like he does what he does. He’s done a good job getting himself back into shape and healthy,” Fernandez continued on Thomas. “We just want to see his superpowers out there so no pressure for him to have to do too much. Just be yourself and help the team compete and go get a win.”
Thomas, 24, is averaging 21.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 40.2% from the field and 35.6% from three-point land in eight games played so far this season. Thomas may have more to think about than just how he integrates himself back into the rotation, but he entered this season on a one-year, $6 million qualifying offer (QO). With all of that on his mind, Thomas is just focused on getting back on the floor and playing.
“Just excited to get back on the court, ready to play again. Just ready to get back playing,” Thomas said after Friday’s practice. “I just want to get back on the court and play. It’s obviously good seeing them playing well. I just want to get back on the court and play.”