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2018 Orlando Magic NBA Draft Preview: Khyri Thomas the ultimate role player

By Philip Rossman-Reich

PROVIDENCE, RI - JANUARY 20: Providence Friars guard Isaiah Jackson (44) defends Creighton Bluejays guard Khyri Thomas (2) during a college basketball game between Creighton Bluejays and Providence Friars on January 20, 2018, at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI. Providence defeated Creighton 85-71. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PROVIDENCE, RI - JANUARY 20: Providence Friars guard Isaiah Jackson (44) defends Creighton Bluejays guard Khyri Thomas (2) during a college basketball game between Creighton Bluejays and Providence Friars on January 20, 2018, at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI. Providence defeated Creighton 85-71. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Bad

There does not seem to be much reason why Khyri Thomas would not be considered a Lottery pick if he is a solid shooter and a potentially good defender. He has the athleticism, length and efficiency to crack a roster and find a role.

Maybe it is that ceiling that he cannot become a star that holds him back in some way. But that might be a product of his biggest drawback. That is simply his height.

The league is getting a bit better with its versatility. There may be more situations where a smaller guard like Thomas can play as a shooting guard and use his defense to make up for his lack of size. It is not like teams are asking him to be the main creator anyway.

But the size matters.

At 6-foot-3, logic dictates he will play a lot more point guard. But Thomas is not a point guard. He is not a good playmaker. He is a scorer. If there is no way to the basket or no 3-point shot available, he keeps the ball moving. He is not going to create for others.

That is evident in his numbers too. Thomas averaged 2.8 assists per game and just 2.5 assists per game for his career. He is not a great passer — although he certainly has some highlight-reel passes.

On that front too, Thomas is not a great playmaker. If he drives, he is driving to score. And it is often a pretty routine straight-line drive. He has the ability to get around defenders and finish at the basket, especially in transition. But he is not beating anyone off the dribble.

Then again, it does not seem likely anyone will expect Thomas to be the guy who spends most of his time on the ball.

If he can defend shooting guards effectively, none of this may matter. Then again, his lack of size might hurt him going up against bigger shooting guards, even off the bench. And if he cannot get his shot off, then his effectiveness and value decrease dramatically.