Nets’ Cam Thomas hoping for quick return from ankle injury: ‘it’s frustrating’

Speaking publicly for the first time since he got hurt, Cam Thomas admitted his ankle sprain felt more severe than those he’s suffered in the past.

But as frustrating as it is to have his breakout season interrupted, the Nets’ young guard is working toward a quick rehab and successful return.

“Of course it’s frustrating. I was playing real well, helping the team, we were competing. What was I, number six or seven in scoring at the time? So obviously it’s frustrating,” said Thomas, who is averaging 26.9 points in eight games, 12th-highest in the NBA. “But at the end of day, everything happens for a reason. So I’m going to just try to rehab as best I can, just so I can get back to that level of play I was at, that’s the only thing I’m looking forward to.”

Thomas suffered the injury when he stepped on PJ Tucker’s foot during Brooklyn’s win over the Clippers on Nov. 8.

“I sprained my ankle at times, but it was more like just a quick one, then I’m back the next game or coming back in the same game,” Thomas said before the Nets’ 124-104 win over the Magic on Tuesday night. “But this was more of an ankle sprain.”

After an MRI exam on Nov. 9, the Nets said he would be reevaluated in two weeks.

Halfway through that process, Thomas was still walking in a boot and speaking before Tuesday’s game against Orlando.

“Just being around the guys still supporting, watching the game, hopefully get a win. But I’ve been fine. I’m really just in good spirits. But obviously frustrating because as player you want to be out there playing especially with how well I was playing,” Thomas said. “You always want to be out there, but can’t go out there like this, so I just got to make the best of it. Maybe the best of it I can and just support the guys.”

Despite having his breakout season interrupted, Thomas has remained positive.

“You always try to be in good spirits no matter what. It’s a long season. Just trying to stay locked-in, supportive, rehab as best I can just so I can be back,” Thomas said. “And the other guys that’s been hurt, they’re rehabbing so they can kick back whoever was hurt. So that’s really the main thing. We’re all staying locked in. So just got to keep pushing.”

It’s unclear exactly what Thomas’ reassessment next week will consist of, whether he’ll get more imaging or just a clinical exam.

“We’ll see, … I’m just rehabbing right now,” Thomas said.

“I’m supposed to be reevaluated very soon. So, I’m just gonna take it from there. But feeling better, getting better. So that’s the only thing I’m looking forward to, just trying to help me get back to help the team best way I can.”