OKC Thunder NBA draft profile: Cameron Thomas, the bucket getter

Next up for Intentions annual OKC Thunder prospect profile series is LSU guard Cameron Thomas.

Noted as a microwave scorer who broke several scoring records Thomas won’t be feasting on the defensive end but could be the next version of J.J. Redick.

For a team like the OKC Thunder, the question will be whether they are willing to add a prospect who isn’t projected to have a high defensive ceiling but could provide offense in bunches off the bench.

OKC Thunder draft prospect profile for Cameron Thomas:

Specifics:

• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 210 pounds
• Position: Guard
• Birthdate/Age:  October 13, 2001, 19 years
• College: LSU, Freshman
• Stat line: 23 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals
• Home Town: Chesapeake, Virginia

Box Score Statistics:

Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 7/15/2021.

Current Ranking:

Most mock drafts have Thomas projected to go anywhere from 20th to 29th in the first round.

• The Ringer: 16th
• NBA DraftNet: 23rd
• ESPN: 20th
• CBS Sports: 23rd
• NBA: 21st
• Bleacher Report: 22nd
• FanSided The Step Back: 29th

With that let’s dive a little deeper into Cameron Thomas to determine his strengths and weaknesses.

Cameron Thomas strengths and weaknesses

Strengths:

Not much research is required to pinpoint Thomas’ greatest strength which is scoring and the youngster does that in bunches. He averaged 23 points per game even without a high perimeter efficiency (32.5 percent). Although his preference is the mid-range he attempted 7.2 triples per match often rising up from well behind the arc.

It sure looks like he’s spent time in the film room studying players like James Harden, J.J. Redick, and other offensive talents. Despite being a freshman Thomas has already mastered a variety of offensive tools.

Whether he’s nailing step-back triples, baiting opponents into fouls to get to the line, running off screens to rise up, or taking defenders down off the dribble he gets buckets.

Aiding his shots are his explosiveness, fearlessness at attacking the basket, and instincts to figure out the best shot in every situation.

Weaknesses:

While Thomas is known as being a one-dimensional offensive talent the truth is he wasn’t tasked with doing more. Working in a set system the question is whether Thomas could expand his overall skillset. Given his explosiveness, and potential to create his own shot there should be a pathway to expand upon and improve his passing skills.

Likewise, if the Virginia native committed to learning a defensive system and applying his quality footwork and speed he should be able to recognize improvements.

Although he’s a microwave scorer, Thomas has a tendency to lose focus sometimes backing off in the paint leading to easy blocks.  Ultimately, it’s about his commitment — if he’s willing to put in the work and bring effort he could offer more than reserve scoring.

Pro Comparison:

Pundits point to CJ McCollum, Terrence Ross, E’Twaun Moore, and J.J. Redick as pro comparisons. Fans who caught LSU matches this past season can understand the Redick connection given Thomas’ use of screens and constant movement.

Likewise, James Harden must be a Thomas favorite based on his sidestep 3-pointer, and how he utilizes his first step to catch defenders for easy fouls.

OKC Thunder fit:

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If there was one thing Mark Daigneault consistently searched for especially without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander available it was someone who could provide consistent scoring. Thomas would offer that with the potential for more.

The current roster is comprised of a young developing core and could most definitely use the 19-year-old who simply goes out and gets buckets. He’s projected to be available when the Thunder selects 16th (or 18th) with some pundits believing he will land in OKC.

However, the deterrent to this happening is a common belief that Sam Presti won’t make three first-round selections. The expectation is the OKC Thunder GM will first attempt to package picks to move up and get one of the four projected generational talents.

Failing success in that endeavor, he could package his second and third picks with sights set on grabbing two of the top 10 picks.