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Detroit Pistons add depth, defense with Khyri Thomas and Bruce Brown

By Brenden Welper

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: Khyri Thomas poses for a portrait after being drafted by the Detroit Pistons during the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: Khyri Thomas poses for a portrait after being drafted by the Detroit Pistons during the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Despite entering the night with only one draft pick, the Detroit Pistons came away with two defensive-minded shooting guards in Khyri Thomas and Bruce Brown.

Ed Stefanski and company went into their first draft with only one selection. By the time the night was over, the Detroit Pistons had two defensive-minded guards.

Not bad for a first try.

The Pistons sent two future second-round picks to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Creighton shooting guard Khyri Thomas (the No. 38 pick). Shortly after that deal, Detroit selected Miami (FL) two-guard Bruce Brown with the 42nd pick.

Both players add much-needed perimeter defense and scoring to Detroit’s bench unit.

Here’s a look at the two latest additions to the Pistons.

Khryi Thomas

Thomas was a three-year player at Creighton University. In that time, the shooting guard averaged 11.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 51 percent shooting. He was also named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018.

At 6-5, Thomas is an ideal two-way player. He can defend without fouling, stay in front of his man, and play the passing lanes extremely well.

But the 22-year-old is also viable scoring threat. Thomas is constantly moving with, or without, the basketball. He attacks off the catch, which forces defenders to think on their feet.

He can be a bit ball dominant, but he still has the ability to beat multiple opponents off the dribble. Finally, Thomas’ 3-point shooting serves as a nice compliment to his penetration-heavy style. He averaged 41 percent from beyond the arc in college.

Bruce Brown

Brown is an explosive two-guard who stands at 6-foot-5. In two seasons at Miami University (FL), he averaged 11.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 44 percent shooting.

He isn’t a point guard, but Brown can lead the break and make decisions with the ball in his hands. Like Thomas, he can create for himself off the dribble. Although he did average just over two turnovers per game in college. That’ll be something to watch out for in Summer League.

Thomas shares the ball as well, mainly on entry passes or lobs to his big men. At times, he tends to force passes that aren’t there. But his willingness to distribute is encouraging. Especially for a player whose primary job is to score.

Next: Why the Detroit Pistons don't have a general manager

There was a chance that Thomas would’ve been taken in the first round. But a left foot injury back in January caused him to miss the remainder of the Hurricanes’ regular season.

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