G: Malik Thomas (SR)
Height/Weight: 6’5”/205 lbs.
Previous School: San Francisco
2024-25 Stats: 19.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 44.4% FG, 39.4% 3pt
Offensive Impact
Thomas is best profiled as a bigger combo guard with true 3-level scoring ability. Has shown efficiency from all areas of the floor in back to back years at San Francisco.
Scores at the rim with his physicality and upper body strength. Good at creating angles as well.
Gets to the line at a high clip for a guard (48.4% FTA rate) and takes advantage of his opportunities there. 85% career FT shooter.
The mid range is Thomas’ least efficient area on the floor (33.3% FG, 52nd percentile), but he can make defenses pay if they play drop coverage.
Struggles to create separation off the bounce due to a lack of burst, but a quick shot release and ability to stay on balance allows him to be relatively efficient in this area. 81st percentile in dribble jumper efficiency, per Synergy.
39% from 3 last season with a high volume of these attempts coming off the bounce. Was actually more efficient off the dribble than off catch and shoot chances (43% vs 37% respectively). Loves pulling up against drop coverage and also loves his step back 3pt jumper in isolation.
Can be a real problem for opposing defenses when matched up with smaller guards. He is efficient in isolation (94th percentile) and will work in the mid post when he has a size advantage.
Outside of this aspect, Thomas appears to struggle to create advantages for himself and others due to an overall lack of athleticism and burst. Has a tougher time scoring against players his size or larger.
Competent playmaker, but Thomas will be at his best when in scoring mode. There currently isn’t a true point guard on this roster, so my worry is that Thomas will have a little too much responsibility from a playmaking perspective.
Takes care of the ball at a high level (12.8% TO rate), but his offensive value dips when he is forced to make a play for someone else.
Defensive Impact
Good combo of size and lateral quickness. Can guard multiple positions on the perimeter.
Thomas isn’t necessarily top tier at defending a specific position, but his switchability is valuable.
2.9% steal rate last season. Always valuable to be somewhat of a defensive playmaker at the guard spot.
He may be a bit too aggressive at times, and it has led to some foul trouble. Had 3 or more fouls in 21 of 34 games last season.
Doesn’t have the length the contest shots at a high level, but this isn’t anything to be overly concerned with.
Fights through screens with relative ease due to his overall strength.
Not sure I love his fit in a heavy press defensive scheme, as his recovery speed isn’t great for his position, but the positional flexibility brings more positives than negatives to Ryan Odom’s defense.