Detroit Pistons: 3 goals for Khyri Thomas’ rookie season

1. Emulate Summer League success in regular season

Though he only played in four games during NBA Summer League, Thomas took advantage of the opportunity. Through 28.8 minutes per game, he averaged 9.5 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists.

Those numbers may not seem extraordinary at first glance, but it was Thomas’ consistency that impressed coaches and teammates. He was lights out from beyond the arc, making 45.5 percent of his 3-point attempts, and was a respectable 71.4 percent from the charity stripe.

He was arguably the Pistons’ best defender this summer, grabbing six steals across the four games he played.

Although he met expectations this summer, his field goal percentage was well below his average. Shooting 40 percent from the field, his field goal percentage was over 10 points below his collegiate number. However, the sample size is small and it’s likely Thomas shoots closer to his career average across the season.

The Pistons have several players trying to earn minutes at the wing position. Thomas’ ability to defend and shoot the 3-ball efficiently make him a better option over Robinson and fellow rookie Bruce Brown Jr. With Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond the focus of opponents inside the paint, it could leave Thomas wide open outside in catch-and-shoot situations.

If he can emulate his success this summer in the regular season, we could see a rising star in Motown this year.