In a league where narratives can shape careers, Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas is fighting back, and he’s not holding back. The 23-year-old scorer, known for his microwave offense and unapologetic swagger, recently found himself at the center of a media firestorm after Zach Lowe labeled him an “empty calories ball hog” on The Lowe Post podcast.
Lowe’s critique wasn’t entirely new. Thomas has long been a polarizing figure, praised for his scoring bursts, criticized for his playmaking and defense. But Lowe’s phrasing struck a nerve.
“The consensus on Cam Thomas… is kind of like empty calories, ball hog,” he said, referencing Thomas’ high usage rate and limited assist numbers.
Thomas didn’t take it lightly. Within hours, Thomas fired off a blunt response on X:
“The consensus? F*** you and the consensus @ZachLowe_NBA. This is most likely the same consensus teams who can’t guard me and send double teams from jump ball. Why are we double teaming a guy who’s ‘not that good’? Make it make sense please”.
The consenus? F*** you and the consensus @ZachLowe_NBA . This is most likely the same consensus teams who can’t guard me and send double teams from jump ball . Why are we double teaming a guy who’s “not that good” make it make sense please. https://t.co/IrHNVHYqTc
— Cam Thomas (@24_camthomas) July 18, 2025
He followed up with more posts defending his game, pointing out that he was second on the team in assists (excluding traded point guards), and that Brooklyn was a top-six seed before injuries and trades derailed their season.
Thomas averaged 24.0 points and 3.8 assists last season over 25 games before a hamstring injury sidelined him. His usage rate, 32.8%, ranked seventh in the NBA, higher than stars like Luka Dončić and Ja Morant. Critics argue that his scoring doesn’t translate to wins, citing Brooklyn’s 31–60 record in games he played over the past two season.
But Thomas sees it differently.
“Guess nobody was passing the mf ball,” he wrote, suggesting that team context, not selfishness, is behind his numbers.
While Lowe’s “empty calories” comment grabbed headlines, his full analysis was more balanced. He acknowledged Thomas’ improved passing, shooting efficiency, and ability to make tough shots.
“The dude can put the ball in the basket,” Lowe said. “He shoots pretty well from three… flashes some good passing skills”.
Still, Lowe questioned whether Thomas could be a starter on a playoff team, suggesting his best role might be as a scoring spark off the bench.
Thomas, a restricted free agent seeking a reported $30 million per year, remains unsigned nearly three weeks into free agency. Whether teams view him as a future star or a volume scorer could shape his next contract, and his career.
