2018 NBA Draft: 5 best perimeter defenders available

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 16: Barry Brown Jr. #5 of the Kansas State Wildcats looks to make a pass against Khyri Thomas #2 of the Creighton Bluejays during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 16: Barry Brown Jr. #5 of the Kansas State Wildcats looks to make a pass against Khyri Thomas #2 of the Creighton Bluejays during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

5. Khyri Thomas (Creighton)

The Creighton Blue Jays have been one of the better mid-major teams since Doug McDermott took over as head coach. His team last year was spearheaded by the defensive abilities — two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year — of point guard Khyri Thomas. Thomas stands at 6-foot-3 but possesses an incredible 6-foot-10 wingspan. Similar to the New York Knicks first-round pick a year ago, Frank Ntilikina, Thomas has proven to have the ability to guard bigger players for stretches without giving up much.

Thomas didn’t just rely on his length to hassle opponents, he was one of the most competitive players in every game he played. Thomas didn’t give an inch, he would pick up his man the full 94 feet for the better part of the game when asked to. This consistent pressure that Thomas applies often results in turnovers and transition opportunities. With today’s game rampant with all-star caliber talent at the point guard spot, having a strong on-ball defender at the head of the attack could be a huge benefit for an NBA defense. Add in his proficiency as a shooter (led the Big East in field goal and true shooting percentage) and he could be a great fit alongside a star wing or big man.

Yet, Thomas isn’t the quickest of players. His average to below average foot speed could keep him from being the guy that is locked on to some of the league’s shiftier guards–Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry, Kemba Walker, Damian Lillard, and others. If he isn’t able to earn his keep against these guards then he’s forced to always guard bigger players and there’s only so much effort a shorter player can give to truly impact a taller opponent.

With the NBA now trending small, a player with the measurements, shooting ability, and consistent effort of Thomas is prospect gold for most general managers. 3-and-D players are highly sought offer and Thomas has the tools to be one of them.

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