Before the trade deadline, the Milwaukee Bucks were treading water and desperately needing someone to spark some life into the team. The addition of Cam Thomas and his role as tone-setter came completely out of left field as we head into the final stretch of the regular season.
Cam Thomas can kick the Bucks into gear
Thomas is a polarizing player within the NBA, with him averaging 24 points just last season and still being waived by the Brooklyn Nets for the Bucks to pick up for cheap. At a time when the Bucks were struggling before the trade deadline, the confirmation of Giannis Antetokounmpo staying, along with the addition of Thomas, gave this team a new lease of life.
The guard didn't feature too much in his first game, but he then exploded for 34 points against the Orlando Magic, clearly wanting to prove his doubters wrong and propel his new team to a win. His ability to score from the bench is something the Bucks have missed, with heavy reliance on Bobby Portis providing that spark when he enters the game.
Milwaukee currently sits outside the play-in spots in the East, and the aim has quickly changed from letting the season run out for a high pick to getting their two-time MVP back and making a push to cause some noise in the postseason.
Alongside Thomas, Ousmane Dieng's addition for cheap has also bolstered this team with firepower. The two have made an immediate impact with their scoring ability, but also by not being afraid to get involved defensively.
Moving on from Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey, two players struggling to see the floor, for Thomas and Dieng is a sensational move from the Bucks. The depth looks stronger, and there is still versatility to move guys around and experiment with various looks.
Thomas is still looking to prove himself after so much doubt all season long. He was hoping for a big contract from the Nets after that stellar 2024-25 season, but he landed on just a qualifying offer. Now waived, with a new team, and is playing for a contract for next season. Early signs suggest the Bucks will hope this form continues and they can bring him back, but there is no telling what other teams might offer in the offseason.
Milwaukee has been heading towards a younger and more athletic roster, and Thomas helps with that. His ability to create for himself will be a huge boost when Giannis returns, as the team now knows there is a guy who can go get a bucket still on the court.
It is just three games, but the signs look extremely positive for Cam Thomas in Milwaukee, with him being the tone-setter that can really kick this Bucks team into gear down the stretch if they want to sneak into the postseason and create some noise.