2017 NBA Draft: Best fits for former Iowa State Cyclones
By Doug Winkey
Matt Thomas
Matt Thomas is probably the least likely of the four Cyclones to reach the NBA. He was the Cyclones’ most accurate shooter, but was the most one-dimensional of the team’s stars — two-thirds of his shots were beyond the arc. Thomas averaged 12.3 points while shooting 48% from the field and 44% behind the arc.
Thomas does have decent size at 6’5″, 193 and was one of Iowa State’s most enthusiastic defenders every night. His rebounding numbers dropped from 4.4 as a junior to 3.9 this past year, but some of that small drop was simply because of different personnel. The Cyclones had greater depth at interior positions, so Thomas didn’t have to battle for boards as much compared to 2015-2016. An NBA team that wants Thomas will get one of ISU’s best shooters ever with the ability to defend.
The Toronto Raptors have given him a long look, but Indiana looks like a great place for the Cyclone sniper. He would give the Pacers more toughness and shooting ability than they are currently getting from backup shooting guard Monta Ellis. I think Thomas would work well in the team’s second unit alongside potential teammates Joe Young and Glenn Robinson III. Going to Indy would also put him on a roster with former teammate Georges Niang. Thomas would be a low-risk free agent for an organization like Indiana that still has Larry Bird advising it.