Nets Notes: Cam Thomas, Michael Porter Jr, Day’Ron Sharpe, Nolan Traore

When Cam Thomas signed his qualifying offer in September, he ensured one thing. Flexibility. Thomas is now headed for unrestricted free agency this summer, and Kevin Durant believes the right team could unlock another level.

“I feel like Cam has a bright future,” Durant said, via Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. “Sometimes scorers get taken for granted. Hopefully somebody takes a chance on Cam, puts the ball in his hands, and lets him grow into a player.”

Thomas, who was rested Friday against Washington, is averaging 21.4 points in 11 games this season. He turns 24 later this year and remains one of the league’s more natural bucket-getters, even if his role in Brooklyn has fluctuated.

MPJ Update

Brooklyn’s night without Michael Porter Jr. went about as expected. The Nets fell to 0-6 this season when Porter doesn’t play, dropping a lopsided loss to Washington while shooting just 39.5 percent from the field and 6-of-29 from three.

Dan Devine of Yahoo Sports examined whether Brooklyn should consider moving Porter for future assets ahead of the deadline.

Sharpe Gains

Center Nic Claxton was also out Friday for personal reasons, opening the door for Day’Ron Sharpe to make his first start of the season. Sharpe responded with 14 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.

“One thing we know is Day’Ron is going to play extremely hard,” coach Jordi Fernandez said, per Brian Lewis of the New York Post. “But going from limited minutes to close to 30, your body has to adjust.”

Brooklyn holds a $6.25 million club option on Sharpe for next season.

Traore Time

Fernandez also addressed the development of rookie Nolan Traore, who struggled with shot selection earlier in the week against Houston. Traore went 1-for-8 in that game, including 1-of-5 from three.

“I need him to use his superpowers and touch the paint,” Fernandez said. “If you keep doing the same thing and seeing the same results, that’s the definition of insanity.”

Traore adjusted Friday, scoring 12 points in 26 minutes without attempting a three.

For a Nets team still defining its direction, individual development may matter just as much as the results right now.