Detroit Pistons: 3 goals for Khyri Thomas’ rookie season

3. Maintain his defense

At 6’4″ with a 6’10” wingspan, Thomas has the natural size to become one of the premier defensive wings in the NBA. He’s extremely active with his hands and is exceptional closing out, allowing only 0.89 points per spot-up possession during his collegiate career.

Though he missed the first two Summer League games due to a hamstring injury, he impressed both coaches and teammates with his defense in the four games he played, averaging 1.5 steals per game.

Pistons power forward Henry Ellenson heaped praise on the rookie guard to the Detroit Free Press:

"“It shows what he can do defensively. He defends guys the whole time and he can move his feet really well. He’s going to pick up his guy full-court. He did a real good job. I thought his poise was great.”"

With the limited minutes he is expected to receive during the upcoming season, it’s critical for him to make his impact defensively. It’s doubtful he will receive enough playing time early in the season to develop an offensive rhythm. If he can provide a boost to the Pistons’ defense off the bench, it will make it difficult for defensive-minded head coach Dwane Casey to limit his minutes.