The San Antonio Spurs are undoubtedly doing some research on potential NBA Draft prospects for the upcoming draft. They’ve got some other worries on their mind in the potential loss of assistant coaches, but that can be more easily remedied than losing out on a draft prospect.
That brings us to yet another draft prospect this week in Creighton guard Khyri Thomas. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound junior guard is a potential first round pick for the Spurs this year and would be a solid option depending on how free agency shakes out as well.
Here are some of his stats:
- 15.1 PPG, 1.7 SPG, 2.8 APG, 4.4 RPG
- 53.8 FG%, 41.1 3P%, 78.8 FT%
- Per-40 stats:
- 19 PPG, 2.1 SPG, 3.5 APG, 5.5 RPG
- Per-40 stats:
- 122.4 ORtg, 100.9 DRtg
Thomas is an excellent shooter from all over the floor as demonstrated by his shooting percentages. However, his shooting at the free throw line has to improve and the frequency with which he gets to the line has to be better as well. He got there less than three times a game despite being a ball handler and shooting so well inside the arc (about 64 percent on two-point shots).
The young guard will have to progress as a ball handler as well since he will likely play a lot at the one at the next level. He played mostly as a combo guard for Creighton during his three years, so becoming better at being able to get his own shot and setting up others will be crucial for the Spurs should they lose some key guards this offseason. He will also likely need to speed up his shot release and become a little disciplined on the defensive end although his defensive rating was fairly solid this past year.
While it seems Thomas has a lot of things to work on, he does bring plenty of great skills to the table. He’s a good rebounder for his size and can post up smaller players as well. He should be a good defender on the wing with a better-than-average wingspan and solid athleticism. He’s a good playmaker, can shoot well off the dribble, can shoot from all three levels of the floor and is great at scoring on the move.