Brooklyn plans to roll out this plan for the team's second-leading scorer moving forward, amid trade chatter.
The Brooklyn Nets face breaking apart their two top scorers -- with Michael Porter Jr. dominating trade chatter across the league.
But that also means Cam Thomas could be on the move too.
Erik Slater of ClutchPoints helped point out that Thomas is another player who could sever ties with Brooklyn ahead of the NBA's trade deadline.
The Nets insider adds how head coach Jordi Fernandez is rolling out a new plan: Putting him on minutes restriction through the trade talks.
"Right now, we’re happy where he is, with the minutes he’s playing with the production, being that willing playmaker," Fernandez said via Slater. "Because we know how good he is scoring the basketball, and taking those steps defensively."
Fernandez added: “We need him to stay in those minutes a little longer, because as you know, we just believe what’s most important right now is his body, and [how] his body reacts. And we’re gonna be cautious with that.”
Thomas at one point averaged 21.3 points per game. But that came before his hamstring ailment that robbed him of nearly an entire month. He witnessed Egor Demin step up in his absence.
Slater revealed another pivotal change when Thomas wasn't on the floor.
"With Thomas sidelined, Fernandez crafted the Nets' offense around Michael Porter Jr.'s off-ball movement," Slater sad. "The former Nugget emerged as an All-Star candidate in recent months. Rookie point guard Demin also showed promise with added on-ball reps."
Slater adds what type of value Thomas presents for the trade market.
"Thomas, who is heading for unrestricted free agency after signing his $6 million qualifying offer this summer, has taken a backseat to Porter, Demin and others following his return," Slater said. "He's averaged 14.0 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists on .408/.340/.813 shooting splits over his last nine appearances."
Thomas noticeably struggled shooting wise versus the Bulls -- banking one shot out of six attempts. Fernandez isn't wavering from his confidence in him, though.
"I’m not going to believe that he’s going to go 1-for-6 ever again. So I’m ok with him taking those shots,” Fernandez said following Sunday's loss to Chicago. “But the [playmaking] ability, he proved it today. Ten assists to one turnover, that’s elite. And he’s more than capable of doing it."
Fernandez likes what he sees outside of the minimal stats.
"He can see the game. He’s a smart player. They’re being aggressive in coverages, and he’s found his teammates. And his teammates made the shots. So very proud of him and the way he played. He shared the basketball, made this simple play over and over and over. And that’s the CT with playmaking that we want to see," Fernandez said.
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