4 NBA teams who should sign Cam Thomas despite playoff ineligibility
Contenders often scour the late-season market for any scoring punch they can find, even if the player can’t suit up in the playoffs. Cam Thomas fits that mold perfectly: a proven bucket-getter whose regular-season impact could still tilt seeding, ease workloads, and set the table for a deeper run.
Here are four NBA teams that should take a hard look at him despite his playoff ineligibility.
First, the Los Angeles Lakers. With a heavy on-ball burden on LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers still lack a reliable, self-creating scorer off the bench. Thomas’ ability to generate points in isolation and from deep would stabilize non-LeBron minutes and keep the offense afloat during the grind of the final stretch.
Second, the Phoenix Suns. Their offense is top-heavy with stars, but the bench can stagnate when one or two of the big three sit. Thomas gives Phoenix a microwave scorer who doesn’t need elaborate sets to get going. He could soak up regular-season minutes, preserving Kevin Durant and Devin Booker from overuse before the postseason.
Third, the Milwaukee Bucks. They have elite top-end talent but inconsistent secondary scoring beyond their stars. Thomas would give Milwaukee a different look in the guard rotation, punishing second units and providing a safety valve on nights when the half-court offense bogs down. Even if he never sees playoff action, the regular-season lift could be worth the investment.
Finally, the New York Knicks. With a physical, defense-first identity, they sometimes struggle to manufacture easy points, especially when injuries hit. Thomas’ shot creation could stabilize their second unit and prevent offensive droughts. He fits the profile of a bench scorer who can swing a random Tuesday night game that ultimately matters in the standings.
Playoff ineligibility limits the ceiling of any acquisition, but for these four teams, the calculus is clear: a few extra wins, fresher stars, and a higher seed can be worth betting on one of the league’s purest young scorers.
Here are four NBA teams that should take a hard look at him despite his playoff ineligibility.
First, the Los Angeles Lakers. With a heavy on-ball burden on LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers still lack a reliable, self-creating scorer off the bench. Thomas’ ability to generate points in isolation and from deep would stabilize non-LeBron minutes and keep the offense afloat during the grind of the final stretch.
Second, the Phoenix Suns. Their offense is top-heavy with stars, but the bench can stagnate when one or two of the big three sit. Thomas gives Phoenix a microwave scorer who doesn’t need elaborate sets to get going. He could soak up regular-season minutes, preserving Kevin Durant and Devin Booker from overuse before the postseason.
Third, the Milwaukee Bucks. They have elite top-end talent but inconsistent secondary scoring beyond their stars. Thomas would give Milwaukee a different look in the guard rotation, punishing second units and providing a safety valve on nights when the half-court offense bogs down. Even if he never sees playoff action, the regular-season lift could be worth the investment.
Finally, the New York Knicks. With a physical, defense-first identity, they sometimes struggle to manufacture easy points, especially when injuries hit. Thomas’ shot creation could stabilize their second unit and prevent offensive droughts. He fits the profile of a bench scorer who can swing a random Tuesday night game that ultimately matters in the standings.
Playoff ineligibility limits the ceiling of any acquisition, but for these four teams, the calculus is clear: a few extra wins, fresher stars, and a higher seed can be worth betting on one of the league’s purest young scorers.
