Cam Thomas just wants to get back to the postseason and play meaningful minutes. In four full seasons with Brooklyn, he never had the opportunity. The Nets haven't made the playoffs since 2022-23, and Thomas played only 15 total minutes. In an interview with commentator Marques Johnson, he shared his hope that all that changes in 2026 with the Milwaukee Bucks.
"I haven't been to the playoffs since my second year. Yeah, no, second year," Thomas recalled. It wasn't a memorable element of his Nets career. "I haven't really contributed in the playoffs much. I played in one game, one or two games, but this year, I would love to get in the playoffs, get in there, contribute, play a whole series. That's really my goal, just experiencing playoff basketball, for sure."
Playoff-tested Bucks roster can help cut Thomas a piece of the pie
Thomas appeared in two games during Brooklyn's first-round loss to the 76ers in 2023. The six points he scored in Game 3 remain his high-water mark of postseason play. Clearly, Thomas isn't satisfied. He's itching to get back.
His Bucks teammates would love to help him out. With Wednesday's win over Cleveland, Milwaukee improved to 26-31, a game behind Charlotte for the final Play-in spot. This team still has plenty of work to do, but things are looking up.Â
Everyone else on the 15-man roster has more playoff experience than Thomas. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis, and Bobby Portis won a title with the Bucks in 2021. Kyle Kuzma won one in Los Angeles. Fellow newcomer Ousmane Dieng has a ring from the Thunder's championship run last season. Myles Turner was a member of the Pacers team that they beat. Gary Harris participated in four playoff runs between Denver and Orlando.Â
At the very least, the others participated in the Bucks' short-lived postseason in 2025, if not in multiple postseasons for the team. Even Andre Jackson Jr. has appeared in seven playoff games. Pete Nance hasn't had his chance yet, but he's on a two-way contract.
After a fractured conclusion to his time in Brooklyn, Thomas relishes the chance to play competitive basketball of any kind, something he hasn't been able to during the Nets' continuing rebuild. An opportunity in the playoffs would be the cherry on top.Â
He'll have one if the Bucks get there. And if they get there, Thomas will be a key reason why. Since Milwaukee signed him off the buyout market, he's come in and done nothing but score, averaging 16.3 points in only 20 minutes per contest. He's already scored the most points of any Buck not named Giannis, which he did in his second game in town with 34 points against Orlando.
Thomas will have his off nights, like his 2-for-10 game against Miami, or a quiet seven points on 3-for-6 shooting versus Cleveland, but his arrival has redefined the offense. His crucial bench role would surely continue in the playoffs, and it's a chance the Bucks just hope he has a chance to get.Â