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Detroit Pistons rookie Khyri Thomas proving his worth early on

By Travis Gibbs

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Khyri Thomas #13 of the Detroit Pistons goes to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Khyri Thomas #13 of the Detroit Pistons goes to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons /

The Detroit Pistons traded up to get Khyri Thomas who somehow fell to the second round of the draft. He’s showing why teams should not have passed on him. He’s quietly performed well throughout the summer league.

The Detroit Pistons are 1-2 in their first three games of the 2018 summer league. They will have to wait until games wrap up today to see when their next game will take place for the playoff portion of the tournament.

For obvious reasons, many fans have had their eyes on the newly acquired players from the draft in June. Both Khyri Thomas and Bruce Brown have received a lot of playing time over the last four days and have shown signs of being good players.

Thomas especially has proved his worth from the get-go for the Detroit Pistons. He’s defended well and also been in double-digits scoring in each of his three summer league games. Let’s take a look back at how he did against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Defense as advertised

On the first possession of the game, Thomas shows what he can do on the defensive end of the floor. He’s matched up with Pelicans rookie Tony Carr. As soon as he gets the ball, Thomas is active with his hands fights through a set pick to stay with Carr.

He loses his him for a second but ultimately Carr is forced to kick the ball back out to the perimeter. This is what Thomas brings to the table defensively night in and night out.

Related Story: Detroit Pistons strong start carries them past New Orleans

It’s difficult to judge the defensive awareness of a player sometimes. With Thomas it’s very easy to see. He closes fast on his guy when the ball might go his way. Thomas constantly checks where everyone else is on the floor as well.

This is what helps him get in passing lanes and helped him average nearly two steals per game in his final season at Creighton.

Things like these go unnoticed all the time. However, it doesn’t go unnoticed when you’re named the Big East defensive player of the year twice in a row.

Thomas keeping it simple offensively

He was drafted without much of an offensive game. It will be something to watch as time goes along with Thomas.

In yesterday’s game, there was still a lot to like about what he did on that end of the floor. He was knocking down open three point shots and taking what the defense was giving him.

His ability to move in transition on offense has been nothing short of spectacular in yesterday’s game and throughout the summer league. This has helped him facilitate the ball and set up his teammates.

The Detroit Pistons have to be happy with Thomas on the offensive end of the floor for a couple of reasons. First of all, he’s not forcing anything. Furthermore, he’s kept an unselfish mentality by facilitating rather than constantly attacking with the ball.

If he can be a guy that can knock down shots from the outside, defend the perimeter well, and make hustle plays, Khryi Thomas is going to challenge others for playing time.

The Detroit Pistons may have found a gem in the draft this year.

Next: Henry Ellenson bounces back, finishes with double-double

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