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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Khyri Thomas, Creighton Bluejays, Georgetown Hoyas, Jonathan Mulmore
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 25: Jonathan Mulmore #2 of the Georgetown Hoyas dribbles around Khyri Thomas #2 of the Creighton Bluejays during a college basketball game at the Verizon Center on January 25, 2017 in Washington, DC. The Hoyas won 71-51. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Final Word

Khyri Thomas seems to have every tool to find a spot somewhere in the NBA. He is a solid 3-point shooter who plays under control and understands what a good shot is. He will not venture too far outside of what he is capable of doing.

On top of all this, he is a solid defender with good length and athleticism. That makes up for his lack of size and harasses opponents.

If a team is looking for a role player — someone to come off the bench and produce and provide a few spot starts — that is what Thomas will almost assuredly do. And he is a relatively safe bet for someone who can contribute immediately in some way.

His size is the biggest concern. His lack of playmaking and driving makes him a true 3-and-D player. And an undersized one at that. Thomas’ length will make up for some of that. But it limits what he can do and where he can play. And the role.

But being a 3-and-D role player or bench player is no shame. The league needs these players. And having young players eager to fill these roles can bolster teams — especially contending teams. That is probably where Thomas will get drafted.

He will find a role somewhere in this league it would seem. This league simply values shooters too much. That is ultimately what Thomas can do. So long as he can get his shot off and find a role that allows him to do so, he should succeed.

Next: 2018 NBA Draft Preview: Jaren Jackson Jr.

For a role player, finding someone who has that defined skill set and accepts that role is absolutely critical. Thomas seems well ahead of the game on this front. He will take on whatever role the team asks of him. And it seems do it well.