NBA Draft 2018 Prospect Watch: Khyri Thomas

Fit with the Bucks

While the more pressing question is if Thomas will stick it through and stay in this year’s draft class, the Nebraska native’s theoretical fit with the Bucks is easy to envision.

Based on the strengths and weaknesses Thomas possesses in his overall package of talents, the Bucks’ current roster would help strengthen and mitigate the two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year’s game.

The combination of his ability to knock down shots from deep off the catch and limited playmaking feel would be eased with the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton being able to handle the offensive workload.

Although much of the Bucks’ defensive struggles were a result of their well worn, failing tactics under both Jason Kidd and Joe Prunty, having a player of Thomas’ encompassing capabilities on that end of the floor will be a boost under any scheme the team’s new head coach implements.

Overall, assessing Thomas’ game is not all that dissimilar to where we were two years ago when previewing Malcolm Brogdon‘s fit with the Bucks before and after he was selected 36th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Should Thomas stick in the draft and if the Bucks seriously consider him at 17 if he does, the next question will be what that means for the team’s backcourt as it’s currently assembled.

Next: NBA Draft 2018 Prospect Watch: Dzanan Musa

Either way, Thomas’ “3-and-D” game will be of use for a team that is in need of filling out the middle of their roster with instant, well rounded contributors like the Bucks. For those reasons and provided he stays in the draft, Thomas will be a name that will be making the rounds in terms of who the Bucks could select with their lone pick in this year’s draft.