San Antonio Spurs 2013 draft pick (58) DeShaun Thomas is joining FC Barcelona for the season in place of Kostas Papanikolaou. The former JSF Nanterre star will have a medical in the in the next few hours before going on to join the pre-season camp in Andorra.
He’s a strong, versatile forward who is effective at distance and close to the basket, with a good instinct for the offensive rebound.
He spent 3 years with Ohio State University, averaging 19.8 points in his final season, before moving to the French league last season. He averaged 12.2 points and 22 minutes in the league, and 9.5 points and 19 minutes in the Euroleague. When Nanterre was eliminated from the Euroleague, he averaged 13.8 points, 22 minutes and 55% (field shots) and 38% (three-pointers) in the Eurocup.
At home in the Palau
DeShaun Thomas had his best European performance of the season against Barça in the Palau (67-71) with 14 points (3 three-pointers) and 7 rebounds. Europe seems to suit him – against CSKA Moscow he scored 18 points including four three-pointers.
In the Eurocup, Thomas excelled against Pinar Karsiyaka (17 points) and Budivelnik, with 21 and 17 points in the two games.
Comparisons with Pete Mickeal
In terms of his build and playing style, DeShaun Thomas resembles former Barça basketball favourite Pete Mickeal and is one of the most promising young players currently in the European game.