Cam Thomas took a bold approach to his James Harden assignment.

The 23-year-old shooting guard belongs to a generation that entered the league in recent years, but also grew up with current stars like Steph Curry and James Harden.

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Harden and Curry are two frontrunners when it comes to three-point shots, with both stars being pioneers when it came to the NBA 3-point revolution over the last decade.

Four-time NBA champion Curry holds the all-time record for three-pointers with 3,810, and while James Harden is behind with 3,004, the current Clippers guard sits second on the all-time list.

Both have unique playing styles and inspired much of the generation after them with their particular approach to the game, and Nets guard Thomas has an answer to that which inspired the current generation of young NBA stars.

“I think we were really drawn to James because James did the isos, like breaking people down one-on-one and scoring the 40s and 50s,” Thomas said on The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis.”

“I think Steph really changed the way teams wanted to play basketball by shooting the threes and moving without the ball.”

Thomas further explained that Curry’s influence was real but had more to do with the teams’ approach and their collective offense, while Harden inspired more of the individual style of play.

Curry, who won four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors, has been linked to the rise of higher-volume 3-point shooting teams and increased ball movement before shots.

“I think Steph really changed the way teams tried to play in the league. James truly changed the individual game. The isos, the handles, step-backs, the foul drawing, all that stuff.”

The 23-year-old is not alone in his belief, with Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce making similar claims.

“Everybody talks, they say Curry is the reason we play — I think a big part of the reason we play like that is James Harden,” Pierce said on an episode of The Truth Lounge.

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“Step-back three-pointer, everyone goes into their pocket and gets to their three-pointer. That’s James Harden, that’s not Curry…”

Harden responded to the hire by admitting that some younger players attempt step-back threes more, but the former MVP also recognized its impact.

“I don’t like to brag, I’m very humble, but yeah, you all see it,” Harden told reporters after a Clippers game last week.

“Every child tries to take a step back, I don’t want to talk about it… Because it’s obvious. It’s right there.

“People shoot stepbacks. They are dribble-dribble stepbacks. From little kids to your favorite player, so it is what it is.”

Thomas ended the comparison by praising both players and stating that both have had an immeasurable impact on the league.

“James and Steph are the two for our generation,” Thomas said. “For the young people, they are No. 1 and No. 2.”

Thomas concluded with a joke, thanking them for their influence but also saying their era in the league is over. proverb

“Kudos to these guys for changing the game, but it’s certainly our time now.”