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

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)
4 of 5

Draft Sites Say

Jonathan Givony, ESPN

"Thomas is one of the better defenders in college basketball, capable of guarding three positions with his 6-foot-11 wingspan. He’s also a willing ball mover and a promising spot-up shooter, and he has exactly the type of grit and unselfishness the NBA covets in role players."

Kevin O’Connor, The Ringer

"Elite perimeter defender who moves quick laterally, can switch onto wings, and combines good technique with intensity to neutralize opponents. Strong frame with thick legs and a long wingspan enables him to battle on post switches and rebound at a high level for his position. Plays and looks like a strong safety off-ball; quickly closes out to intercept passes and pickpocket ball handlers. . . . High, loose dribble makes it hard for him to create shots against a set defense. Uncomfortable shooting off the dribble; he needs to work on his footwork and quicken his release. Already a good shooter, but must extend his range to assure it translates to the NBA level."

Jackson Hoy, The Stepien

"Thomas is one of the safest bets from this year’s 3-and-D crop thanks to his proven year-over-year shooting, projectable frame and intensity on defense. With his underrated court vision and continually improving finishing ability, there’s some hope that Thomas can add some ancillary value on offense outside of spacing the floor. That said, it’s worth questioning how much of his below-the-rim game will translate inside the arc and how valuable he’ll be as a shot creator without advanced dribble moves. Thomas may also have some problems with bigger players on defense even with his plus length and strength. It’s worth wondering how much better he can get considering he has mostly maximized his physical profile at this point. Even so, he’s got a high floor as a dependable shot-maker on offense and a high-motor defender who succeeds on and off the ball."

Aran Smith, NBADraft.net

"Late blooming shooting guard with a picture perfect shooting stroke … Undersized at 6’3 for the two position but has a 6’10 wingspan allowing him to play bigger … Very controlled game, stays on balance, won’t rattle easily, doesn’t bite on fakes, composed, mature game. . . . The age of a senior. Turns 22 in May giving him less upside compared with most of the other prospects available for this year’s draft. Likely cannot afford to wait another season to enter draft … Not adept as a facilitator/ball handler in pick and roll situations … A solid athlete with good efficiency in transition, however he lacks elite explosiveness."