Cam Thomas has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young players in the NBA, and part of his ascent can be attributed to a significant source of inspiration: James Harden.
Known for his dynamic scoring and isolation skills, Harden’s tenure with the Houston Rockets left a lasting impression on players across the league, including Thomas.
In a candid discussion on The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis, Thomas revealed just how deeply Harden’s Houston years shaped his development. “I really patterned my game after James when he was in Houston,” the 23-year-old guard shared. “The ball in his hand, the step-back threes, all the iso moves—I tried to take a lot from him.”
Thomas’s admiration for Harden began well before their paths crossed in Brooklyn. Even as a rookie, Thomas had already studied Harden’s techniques extensively, using them to refine his offensive approach. While their time as teammates in 2021 was brief due to Harden’s mid-season trade to Philadelphia, it solidified Thomas’s understanding of Harden’s mastery.
“Before I even got here, I was already tapped in with watching James and knowing all his moves,” Thomas explained. “So yeah, that’s definitely someone I’ve studied and looked at to take things from.” Harden’s influence is evident in Thomas’s ability to create his own shots and score efficiently, a skill set that is becoming a hallmark of his game.
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Thomas’s growth, however, isn’t limited to Harden’s mentorship. The Brooklyn guard has also gleaned insights from other superstars he’s played alongside, including Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Reflecting on Irving, Thomas remarked, “Kai’s patience offensively is incredible. He doesn’t let anyone speed him up. I try to incorporate that—getting to my spots and making the shot I want.”
When it comes to Durant, however, Thomas admitted that replicating the future Hall of Famer’s skill set is a tall order. “You can’t really learn much from K because he’s like seven feet doing what he does. It’s just like, ‘Oh, K, that’s tough.’” Still, observing Durant’s greatness up close provided Thomas with an invaluable perspective on how elite players dominate the game.
Impact
The impact of playing with such high-caliber talent is evident in Thomas’s breakout 2024-25 season. Averaging 24.7 points per game, he currently ranks 17th in the league in scoring. His contributions, along with 3.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, have solidified him as a rising star and a key piece for the Brooklyn Nets moving forward.
Thomas’s ability to incorporate lessons from Harden, Irving, and Durant into his own game is a testament to his adaptability and dedication to improvement. While Harden’s influence remains a cornerstone of his development, Thomas has successfully carved out his own identity as a dynamic scorer and playmaker.
At just 23, Thomas is proving that his potential is far from being fully realized. His growth this season has put the league on notice, showcasing his ability to compete with the NBA’s elite while continuing to refine his craft.
As Thomas builds on his breakout campaign, the lessons he’s learned from Harden and others will remain integral to his progression. Brooklyn’s rising star has embraced the wisdom of those who came before him, and now, he’s paving the way for a legacy of his own.
