Power ranking the 2018-19 Detroit Pistons: Who tops the list?

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 07: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors defends against Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons in the second half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on March 7, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. 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. The Raptors defeat the Pistons 121-119. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 07: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors defends against Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons in the second half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on March 7, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. 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. The Raptors defeat the Pistons 121-119. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
4 of 16
Detroit Pistons
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)

#13 Khyri Thomas

Some fans might be surprised that Khyri Thomas wound up on this list above Bruce Brown. While Brown flashed potential for his future, Thomas showed why he could be a contributor on the wing this year.

A former two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year winner, Thomas enters the team as a formidable defender. Beyond that, in the two games he played in Summer League, he demonstrated an ability to score from the perimeter.

Thomas only played in four games before being sidelined with a minor ankle injury. In those four games, he averaged just under 10 points per game on 40 percent shooting. While that isn’t amazing, he is a far more efficient shooter than Brown is at this point.

Currently, I see Thomas as a competent 3-and-D wing. He’s not a star, but he can defend well and knock down a shot. If any Pistons’ back-court member gets injured this year, I expect it will be Thomas that gets those minutes over Brown.