The Milwaukee Bucks' signing of Cam Thomas came as no surprise, and he is certainly a polarizing player. However, he significantly helps the Bucks' glaring offensive weakness, as they currently rank 27th in the NBA for points per game.
Cam Thomas gives the Bucks some much-needed offense
Milwaukee is on a three-game winning streak, albeit against poor opponents, so this isn't the perfect time to say they still struggle on offense, especially without Giannis Antetokounmpo. They average 112 points per game; only Sacramento, Indiana, and Brooklyn average less than Milwaukee. Thomas brings an ability to create for himself and put the ball in the basket.
This season is a slight down year for the 24-year-old, with him averaging 15.6 points and 3.1 assists on shooting splits of .399/.325/.843. His field goal percentage is at a career low, and his 3-point percentage is only worse than his rookie season. The Nets are changing direction, with five rookies and Michael Porter Jr. playing at an All-Star level. Thomas has found himself out of favor and has featured in just 24 games this season, starting eight of those.
Thomas was a name that cropped up as someone potentially on the move, and Milwaukee was the only team seriously linked. Jon Horst and the front office likely didn't want to give up a draft pick to acquire him via trade, so they have pulled off a bit of a steal by seeing him get waived and then picking him up on a minimum deal.
Defensively is where he struggles. The NBA is very much looking towards two-way players, but the Bucks do need offense, and as a low-risk move that the Bucks aren't tied down to in the long run, Thomas is worth a shot. With Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. locked into the starting five, Thomas and Bobby Portis off the bench can give the Bucks some punch for Doc Rivers to bring in.
The draft history of the Bucks is not brilliant. Finding talent on the cheap has been something Horst has done well in recent years. AJ Green and Rollins have both become integral players after starting as two-way players. Now, Pete Nance looks to be the next in line for a contract. Adding Thomas does stop Nance from signing a full deal now, but there is still time for the Bucks to cut someone and look to add the big man.
It is a low-risk deal for the Bucks and addresses a glaring weakness. Whether it works out, who knows, and Cam Thomas may not be in Wisconsin for the long run. For now, it's worth a shot.