Bucks Bet Big on Newly-Signed Guard Cam Thomas

Doc Rivers compares Thomas to past Sixth Man of the Year winners as Milwaukee looks to him to boost scoring

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Milwaukee Bucks have signed scoring guard Cam Thomas, who was recently released by the Brooklyn Nets, in hopes that he can provide a much-needed offensive spark off the bench as the Bucks try to turn around their season and make a playoff push. Bucks coach Doc Rivers has made a lofty comparison, saying Thomas is similar to past Sixth Man of the Year winners Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, reflecting the team's high hopes for the young guard.

Why it matters

The Bucks are currently struggling without their star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is sidelined with a calf injury. They are hoping Thomas can help keep the team afloat until Antetokounmpo returns, as the Bucks' roster lacks scoring punch without the Greek Freak. If Thomas can consistently provide a scoring boost off the bench, it could help the Bucks avoid an early playoff exit and potentially convince Antetokounmpo to stay in Milwaukee long-term.

The details

Thomas, a 22-year-old guard, was recently released by the Brooklyn Nets at the trade deadline. He signed with the Bucks as a free agent last weekend. In his Bucks debut on Monday, Thomas played 13 minutes and scored 4 points. But on Wednesday against the Magic, he exploded for 34 points in 25 minutes, showcasing his elite scoring ability. Bucks coach Doc Rivers was so impressed that he compared Thomas to past Sixth Man of the Year winners Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, saying "They're similar, but they're all different in their own ways. Cam wants to do right. He wants to play well. You can see that. And we're going to give him every opportunity. I mean, the guy is a natural scorer, and you can see that."

  • Thomas was released by the Brooklyn Nets at the NBA trade deadline.
  • Thomas signed with the Milwaukee Bucks as a free agent last weekend.
  • Thomas made his Bucks debut on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • Thomas scored 34 points in 25 minutes against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Cam Thomas

A 22-year-old scoring guard who was recently released by the Brooklyn Nets and signed by the Milwaukee Bucks as a free agent.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks' star player who is currently sidelined with a calf injury.

Doc Rivers

The head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Jamal Crawford

A former NBA player who won multiple Sixth Man of the Year awards and is known as an elite bench scorer.

Lou Williams

A former NBA player who won multiple Sixth Man of the Year awards and is known as an elite bench scorer.

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What they’re saying

“I've had Jamal Crawford. I had Lou Williams. And now, I have Cam Thomas. They're similar, but they're all different in their own ways. Cam wants to do right. He wants to play well. You can see that. And we're going to give him every opportunity. I mean, the guy is a natural scorer, and you can see that.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Milwaukee Bucks (SI.com)

What’s next

The Bucks will continue to rely on Cam Thomas to provide scoring off the bench as they try to climb back into playoff position in the Eastern Conference. The team is hoping Thomas can help keep them afloat until Giannis Antetokounmpo returns from his calf injury, which is expected to happen in the next month.

The takeaway

The Milwaukee Bucks are taking a big gamble on Cam Thomas, comparing him to past Sixth Man of the Year winners and hoping he can provide a much-needed scoring boost off the bench. If Thomas can consistently produce like he did against the Magic, it could be a game-changer for the Bucks and potentially keep Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee long-term.