Creighton combo guard Khyri Thomas could be a smart draft pick for the Blazers if Shabazz Napier and Pat Connaughton leave.
In the last few days, life in Rip City has been surprisingly busy.
Neil Olshey appeared on ESPN and a local podcast to discuss free agency and how he approaches the draft. In addition, Damian Lillard reportedly requested another meeting with Paul Allen, a rumor which he quickly shot down.
Most important of all, Lillard was named to the First Team All-NBA. He joined LeBron James, Anthony Davis, James Harden and Kevin Durant (not bad company).
The storylines are drying up, so it’s back to evaluating draft prospects.
Khyri Thomas
Khyri Thomas is a 22-year-old, 6’3″ combo guard with a 6’10” wingspan. In his third season at Creighton, Thomas averaged 15.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals in 31.7 minutes per game. He shot 53.8% from the field, 41.1% from three, and 78.8% from the free throw line.
At 6’3″, Thomas is one of the shorter prospects Portland talked to at the combine.
Lillard and CJ McCollum encounter problems defending opposing guards being undersized. Adding another backcourt player the same size only worsens this problem.
However, Thomas won Big East Defensive Player of the Year his sophomore and junior season at Creighton. With a 6’10” wingspan, he can pickpocket smaller guards, intercept passing lanes, and also switch onto wings.
His defense is so good it even has it’s own nickname: Khyrifense.
Offense
The Blazers could certainly use strong defenders in its backcourt, but the team also needs consistent outside shooters.
In his junior season, Thomas hit nearly two three-pointers per game at a 41.1% success rate. If he recorded those numbers last season for Portland, he’d rank third in threes made (behind Lillard and McCollum) and third in three-point percentage (behind Meyers Leonard and Maurice Harkless).
With a staggered lineup, Thomas would always be on the floor with either Dame or CJ. Because he struggles to create his own shot, having a ball handler that draws attention allows him to showcase his conference-leading field goal percentage.
Having a consistent outside threat also keeps the opposing defense honest, helping open lanes for the backcourt to drive through.
How Thomas fits
As we’ve talked about, the Blazers need a forward more than another guard in the draft. Lillard and McCollum will be the starters, and Wade Baldwin IV and Pat Connaughton the reserves.
However, Connaughton is a free agent this summer and cap space is slim in Portland. The organization may opt to let him walk and funnel that money towards retaining Jusuf Nurkic.
After speaking with so many guards at the combine, the No. 24 pick can become Connaughton’s cheap replacement. Although undersized, Khyri Thomas might be the safe selection among the shooting guards.
Next: Where Jusuf Nurkic might end up if he leaves
Even with the 6’10” wingspan, Thomas is 22 years old and undersized. While he may fit well with a Blazers team needing a back up two guard, a 3-and-D wing will benefit Portland more in the upcoming season.