Post by zeropointzero on Sept 22, 2010 23:24:44 GMT -5
Tyrus Thomas
Age: 20
Height: 6’8’’
Weight: 217
Position: F
Inside = C+: Thomas is fairly limited and gets most of his points right now through offensive rebounds and in transition. He doesn’t really have any type of back to the basket game to speak of, and probably lacks the strength to score this way even if he did as he has trouble at times holding his spot on the block. He’ll have to add some go-to moves to become a consistent scorer in the NBA, as well as better footwork in the post. Almost his entire offensive game at the moment revolves around dunks, although he did not get much of a chance to show otherwise.
Outside = C-: Thomas has shown sparks of being able to hit the mid-range jump-shot at times, but it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that he could still improve his touch from the perimeter, as well as from the free throw line where he shoots 66%. His mechanics look a bit awkward here and he would be well served to better utilize his leaping ability to get better lift on his shot.
Handling = C: Electric in the open court. Doesn’t have the handles to beat opponents off the dribble. At the 4 he’ll be deadly in fast breaks, at the 3 he’ll still be among the most explosive in the league, but nowhere near as skilled.
Defense = B-: He is capable of playing outstanding man to man and team defense all over the floor when he’s not intimidating around the hoop, showing a lot of pride in this part of his game. He’s quick and effective stepping out to hedge the pick and roll and recovers beautifully getting right back into the post. Does have some bad habits he’ll need to shed in the pro’s, it’s not rare to see him give up deep position in the paint to the man he’s guarding, often due to his lack of strength, thinking that he’ll be able to just spring up off the ground to block his shot once it goes up. This works for him against NCAA big men, but NBA power forwards will have a field day on him if he lets them get within a few feet of the hoop.
Rebounding = B-: Thomas is a terrific rebounder despite his lack of bulk, coming up with 8 rebounds or much more in every game this year in which he played over 25 minutes except one (in which he had 7). He’s extremely active on the glass and once again uses his combination of outstanding length, instincts, leaping ability, tenacity, hands and timing to simply outquick and outjump almost anyone he’s going up against.
Potential = A: Thomas is a late-bloomer in every sense of the word, only having started to play organized basketball in his junior year of high school. Like many players who have late growth spurts (he was still growing as of last summer), he has yet to fully grow into his frame and is probably lacking the strength to play a huge role in the NBA until he can add some weight. He struggled with conditioning problems earlier on in the year, but as the season progressed he’s shown no problem playing 30 or more minutes a game.
