Detroit Pistons: 3 reasons Khyri Thomas was a good pick

1. Thomas can defend

The two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year averaged 1.7 steals per game this past season.

Thomas had three steals to go with 22 points in Creighton’s season-opening win over Yale; three steals apiece in victories over conference foes Butler and Georgetown; and he finished the season on a four-game run in which he collected five steals (vs. DePaul), four steals (vs. Marquette), four steals (vs. Providence in the Big East Tournament) and three steals (vs. Kansas State in the NCAA Tournament).

Another thing to like about Thomas is that when his shot isn’t falling — he scored eight and nine points, respectively, in his final two games, both losses — he still gives a full effort on defense and doesn’t appear to let the offensive struggles distract him.

Thomas doesn’t have the prototypical height for a shooting guard at 6’3″, but he has a 6’10” wingspan along with the strength and agility to defend well on the perimeter.

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With the potential to be a stopper on defense and a reliable shooter/scorer on offense, Thomas has a good chance to work his way into the Pistons’ rotation and make a difference on a team that can use what he has to offer.