Pistons Notes: Thomas, Doumbouya, Bone, Hayes

Khyri Thomas finally got a chance to show the Pistons what he can do after injuries limited him to eight games this season, writes Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press. Thomas, who underwent foot surgery last October, was fully recovered for the team’s mini-camp and impressed coach Dwane Casey with his performance.

“I thought Khyri Thomas had a great week along with Bruce (Brown),” Casey said. “But Khyri shot the ball extremely well. I was happy that finally the young man is healthy. Fought the foot problems last year and the year before. But really shot the ball and completed the camp with no issues whatsoever. Really proud of the way Khyri came out and played.” 

Detroit saw enough potential in Thomas to trade up for him in the second round of the 2018 draft. However, he only has a partial guarantee on his $1.66MM contract, so his status for next season is uncertain.

There’s more from Detroit:

• The Pistons may use power forward Sekou Doumbouya as a center in their zone defense, Sankofa notes in a camp roundup. Casey, who is also urging Doumbouya to improve as a ball-handler, believes the rookie has the athleticism and instincts to handle the expanded duties. “He’s going to have some versatility for us, especially the way the league is going if we do go small in that situation,” Casey said. “Was really pleased with the way he adapted. That’s the way to go to be a quarterback in the middle of the zone, you have to be a radar. He fits the bill in that position.”
• Jordan Bone spent most of his first professional season in the G League, but Casey told Sankofa he saw improvement in the second-round pick during camp. “I thought he did a good job in the camp the last three weeks of changing speeds,” Casey said. “Really pushing the ball up the floor, not seeing anything and then attacking. That was his gift. His gift is his speed and I thought he did a better job this week.” 
• Killian Hayes would love to join Doumbouya, a fellow Frenchman, in Detroit, according to James Edwards III of The Athletic. A 6’5″ point guard who is considered one of the best passers in the draft, Hayes may still be on the board when the Pistons pick at No. 7. “I have a great relationship with Sekou,” Hayes said. “I’ve done multiple camps with him. It would be an easy adjustment if I went (to Detroit) because I know him. He knows Detroit and would be able to show me around. Playing with him … it would be fun. He’s one of my guys.”