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2018 NBA Mock Draft: Knicks go big with Mo Bamba

By Brendon Kleen

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 16: Mohamed Bamba
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 16: Mohamed Bamba /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 08: Khyri Thomas #2 of the Creighton Bluejays posts up against Maliek White #4 of the Providence Friars during the quarterfinal round the Big East Men’s Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 08, 2018 in New York City. The Friars won 72-68. Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 08: Khyri Thomas #2 of the Creighton Bluejays posts up against Maliek White #4 of the Providence Friars during the quarterfinal round the Big East Men’s Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 08, 2018 in New York City. The Friars won 72-68. Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

41. . G. Creighton. Khyri Thomas. 28. player

As the Warriors attempt to find young depth, they have done a good job keeping their draft picks and trying to make it work with the pieces they have. Quin Cook is the latest success story, in the mold of Ian Clark, who made enough open shots to earn a chance from Golden State. Thomas could be the next.

In a way, Thomas is the perfect combination of Cook and the Warriors’ first-round pick from two years ago, Patrick McCaw. McCaw looked to be in for a breakout this season before struggling to make shots and ultimately seeing his season cut short by injury. Thomas brings McCaw’s defensive toughness and length, with a decent amount of Cook’s shot-making. He’s probably a worse athlete than either current Warrior, but Thomas makes up for it with physical play and strength.

During his three seasons at Creighton, Thomas never once dipped below 39 percent shooting from deep. His steal percentage was stationary at 2.9 percent. The Warriors are famous for the “feedback loop” they create by bombing from deep and preventing the pace from slowing.

Thomas would be able to compete in isolation defense amidst the chaos and nail difficult shots.

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