The Milwaukee Bucks weren't the only team chasing Cam Thomas after his buyout from the Brooklyn Nets, but they were the ones to get his signature. Speaking on an episode of Hear District, Thomas was open and honest about his decision to join the Bucks, revealing that he chose to sign with them over a handful of other interested parties.
"There was a good amount of teams interested, but I think the Bucks stood out because I really felt like I could really be myself here."
Milwaukee Bucks fans were already warmed up to Thomas amid his hot start, but this only cements his growing fan-favorite status.
Bucks outbidding other teams shows Thomas' faith in team
This wasn't a money thing. Thomas was getting a rest of the season deal for cheap no matter where he ended up. The guard chose to come to Milwaukee. Some of that certainly had to do with the team reportedly chasing him for "years," as Thomas said in the interview, meaning the Bucks' interest only intensified when he hit the free agent market.
Perhaps some of it had to do with the Bucks believing in him. For years, Thomas was criticized by NBA media for being an "empty stats" player who couldn't contribute to winning basketball. The Bucks did not care at all.
Once he agreed to join Milwaukee, it was a clear sign that he believed in this team. He probably could have landed with several other teams in a better position for the playoffs than the Bucks, who are not in the Play-In picture right now. Yet, Thomas clearly feels like not only can this team make some noise, but also that he can help them do so down the stretch.
Thus far, he has.
Thomas has bought into his role and elevated Bucks
In the early days of his Milwaukee Bucks tenure, Thomas has proven the team right for going after him for years. In eight games, he's averaged 14 points, giving the Bucks an essential spark off the bench, including a 34-point effort, an area they have struggled to get consistent production from this year.
Alongside Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins, Cam Thomas has formed a three-headed monster in the Bucks' backcourt. Once Giannis Antetokounmpo returns from injury, the Bucks will have four go-to scorers who can all be mixed and matched with one another. That will be a luxury for Doc Rivers when forming his rotations.
None of it would be possible if Cam Thomas looked elsewhere. The Bucks have been immediately vindicated for the move, and the fanbase has embraced the guard with open arms.
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