Khyri Thomas breakdown written and compiled by Leif Thulin

Age: 22

Position: SG

College: Creighton

Measurables

Height w/o Shoes: 6’2.5”

Height w/ Shoes: 6’3.75”

Weight: 198.8 lbs

Wingspan: 6’10.5”

Standing Reach: 8’5”

Max Vertical: 35”

College Statistics (2017/2018)

MPG: 31.7

PPG:15.1

RPG:4.4

ASTPG:2.8

BLKPG: 0.2

SPG:1.7

FT%: 78.8%

2-PT FG%: 63.9%

3-PT FG%: 41.1%

Comparisons: Similar to Patrick Beverly, a smaller Gerald Wallace, Avery Bradley

Best-Case Scenario: Victor Oladipo

3 Things to Know

1. He is a fantastic perimeter defender with elite speed and a reliable 3 point shot, etching himself into the three and D role with untapped potential as a scorer.
2. A senior leaving for the draft, Thomas demonstrates rare athleticism coupled with accumulated maturity through seasoning.
3. To become more than a three and D player, Thomas will need to develop an off the dribble attack game, and become more adept with the ball.

Strengths

• A ferocious perimeter defender.
• Excellent lateral quickness and excellent length creating great defensive versatility.
• Very sturdy frame allowing for him to switch defensively more easily and finish through contact as well as abuse smaller guards.
• Knockdown spot up shooter.
• Pick 6 capability, turning defense to offense.
• Explosive athletically.
• Phenomenal finisher at the rim with both hands. Very strong slasher, best playing off the ball cutting to the hoop.
• Long strides and a quick first step show signs that he could be a solid shot creator.

Weaknesses

• Weak handle for size.
• Poor shooter off of the dribble.
• Needs to learn to play with more of a change of pace in P&R situations.
• Not always the most careful with the ball, telegraphing passes.

Summary:

Khyri Thomas’ immediate value projects him to be a great asset as a 3&D player. His measurables, speed, length, and physicality lead one to believe he should have few issues adjusting to the NBA defensively. Though Thomas stayed in school, the reason was not a lack of athleticism, yet the years allowed for accumulated experience and more of a featured offensive role, expanding his offensive repertoire increasing his averages from 6.2 to 12.3 to 15.1 points per game over his three years. Thomas shot 41 percent from three and nearly 79 percent from the charity stripe, documenting a successful and developing stroke. His lack of elite size at the 2 guard and lack of elite ball handling to compensate for his lack of 6’6” height could worry teams offensively, yet his extraordinary wingspan of 6’10.5” compensates for the lack of prototypical height on the defensive end. If Thomas continues to develop his handling of the ball and facilitates more, coupling facilitation with his established shooting abilities, which seems technique wise to project to NBA range, his upside could far exceed his projected position due to his already established defensive prowess. His advanced maturity and multi-dimensional game could accelerate his career earlier than expected similarly to that of OG Anunoby’s.