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2018 NBA Draft: Top 5 shooting guard scouting reports

By Connor Harr

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Troy Brown #0 of the Oregon Ducks drives to the basket past Jordan Shepherd #13 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half of the game during the PK80-Phil Knight Invitational presented by State Farm at the Moda Center on November 26, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. Oklahoma won the game 90-80. Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Troy Brown #0 of the Oregon Ducks drives to the basket past Jordan Shepherd #13 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half of the game during the PK80-Phil Knight Invitational presented by State Farm at the Moda Center on November 26, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. Oklahoma won the game 90-80. Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – JANUARY 13: Khyri Thomas #2 of the Creighton Bluejays shoots the ball against the Xavier Musketeers at Cintas Center on January 13, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – JANUARY 13: Khyri Thomas #2 of the Creighton Bluejays shoots the ball against the Xavier Musketeers at Cintas Center on January 13, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Khyri Thomas, Junior, Creighton

Big Board Rank: 17

Strengths: Khyri Thomas has amazing length for a guard. Standing at 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan his length contributes to the great defender he is. Combined with his superb defensive instincts his length helps him get steals and be disruptive as both an on ball, but especially an off-ball defender playing the passing lanes.

He’s got a solid frame for his size. Thomas weighs about 210 pounds, and showcases his strength on both ends of the court. His strength along with his length help him guard much taller players on defense. It also helps him on offense finishing through contact at the rim. His highest value in his on ball defense. Khyri Thomas combines great footwork, lateral quickness, and an aggressive mentality to be one of the better on ball defenders in basketball.

Offensively, Thomas is a good spot up shooter. He moves well off the ball and does a good job of setting his feet. Being ready to capitalize on catch and shoot opportunities. He should be a good enough ball handler where he can attack closeouts.

Weaknesses: Khyri Thomas isn’t that tall to become an NBA wing. His height makes him more of an average sized NBA point guard. Thomas might not be able to attack closeouts if they aren’t one a line drive straight to the hoop. He’s not even close to being an advanced enough ball handler to see minutes at point.

His limited height might be a concern defensively as well. Thomas might be restricted to guarding point guards at the next level. His wingspan and strength should make up for a few inches, but he’s probably not going to fare well against 6-foot-5 or 6-foot-7 equally strong and long.

His age is a big concern. Khyri Thomas is a junior that completed a post grad year after high school. So, that means Khyri will be 22 before he even begins his rookie season. This puts pressure on Thomas to perform well right away.

Overall Outlook: Even though Khyri Thomas doesn’t have the height or the age of an ideal wing prospect. He should come in working hard for whatever team drafts him and brings a sense of maturity. While it might take some time for Thomas’s shot to translate to NBA range, he should step in and be an above average NBA defender from day one. In a few years maybe he’ll be an elite defender.