S.THOMAS SR | Draft Dispatch

Playmaking & Vision – High basketball IQ with exceptional passing ability.
- Leads USC in assists (4.3 APG).
- Sees over defenders and makes difficult cross-court/skip passes with precision.
- Effective as a secondary ball-handler and can control tempo.
Finishing Ability – Crafty and creative scorer inside the paint.
- Uses body control, footwork, and angles to evade shot blockers.
- Highly effective in the pick-and-roll, capable of pulling up, attacking, or passing.
Rebounding & Physicality – Active rebounder who doesn’t wait for the ball to come to him.
- Leads USC in rebounding (6.3 RPG).
- Strong post presence, punishes smaller defenders with physical play.
- Grabs defensive boards and pushes the break, adding transition value.
Endurance & Conditioning – High motor, plays 35 minutes per game without major fatigue.
- Consistently active in transition and competes hard on both ends.

6’7”, 235-pound frame makes him physically NBA-ready.
Strong, imposing build, allowing him to hold his own against bigger opponents.
Lacks elite burst and vertical explosiveness, but compensates with skill and positioning.
Adequate quickness, but not an above-average NBA athlete.

Avoids Contact – Relies on finesse rather than using his strength inside.
- Low free-throw rate (2 FTA per game, 63% FT).
- Would benefit from a more physical approach to finishing.
Ball Security Issues – Turns the ball over too frequently (2.4 TOV per game).
- Tends to force passes in tight spaces, leading to unforced mistakes.
- Needs a tighter handle to be more reliable against ball pressure.
Passive on Offense – Too deferential at times, missing scoring opportunities.
- Focuses on playmaking but could benefit from more assertiveness.
- Hesitation in scoring leads to indecisiveness and turnovers.

Offensive Leadership: Jones effectively sets the Inconsistent perimeter shooter, struggles with confidence and mechanics.
- Slow release and low shooting pocket make it easy to contest.
- Hesitates from three, showing a lack of confidence in his shot.
- True Shooting % (.523) is disappointing.
Serviceable in catch-and-shoot situations but struggles off the dribble.
Needs to refine mechanics, shot speed, and consistency to become a legitimate shooting threat.

Decent defender with room to improve.
- 1.3 SPG, active hands disrupt passing lanes.
- Good size and strength allow him to body up opponents.
Struggles with off-ball awareness, often over-helping and leaving shooters open.
Not an elite rim protector and can be overpowered in the post.
Needs to improve transition defense and overall engagement.

Late second-round pick, potential NBA role player with secondary playmaking ability.
Needs to improve shooting mechanics, tighten handle, and be more aggressive offensively to maximize his upside.
Best-case scenario: A rotational forward providing playmaking, rebounding, and solid defense.
Floor: A G-League player needing further development to secure an NBA role.