Detroit Pistons: 3 goals for Khyri Thomas’ rookie season
By KC Whitten
2. Earn a spot in the rotation
The Pistons are in good shape at the wing positions. Reggie Bullock and Luke Kennard are vying for the starting spot at shooting guard, and Stanley Johnson is the projected starter at small forward.
Although veteran Glenn Robinson III is listed as the backup for Johnson, he certainly isn’t cemented in that position. He has been less than impressive in his first four NBA seasons. Averaging a meager 4.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, Robinson is now on his fourth team in five years.
The door is wide open for Khryi Thomas to earn a spot in the rotation. Sure, at 6’3″ he will be at a size disadvantage to some of the larger wing players in the league. However, his 6’10” wingspan and defensive efficiency will allow him to overcompensate for the size differential.
Thomas also has far greater potential offensively than Robinson. He was lethal from beyond the arc at Creighton, making 41 percent of his 3-point attempts. He also excels off-the-ball, making 42 percent of his attempts in catch-and-shoot situations.
Thomas is a two-way player, and his skill-set is an upgrade over Robinson. If he can impress Dwane Casey and the coaching staff in training camp, it’s possible he will be part of the rotation opening night.