Lance Thomas

Last updated

Lance Thomas
Lance Thomas.jpg
Thomas with the New York Knicks in 2017
Personal information
Born (1988-04-24) April 24, 1988 (age 35)
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Listed weight235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
High school
College Duke (2006–2010)
NBA draft 2010: undrafted
Playing career2010–2020
Position Power forward / small forward
Number42
Career history
2010–2011 Austin Toros
2011 New Orleans Hornets
2012 Austin Toros
2012–2013 New Orleans Hornets / Pelicans
2013–2014 Foshan Dralions
2014–2015 Oklahoma City Thunder
2015–2019 New York Knicks
2020 Brooklyn Nets
Career highlights and awards
Stats   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg at NBA.com
Stats   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg at Basketball-Reference.com
Medals
Representing Flag of the United States.svg United States
Basketball
Pan American Games
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2011 Guadalajara United States
FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2006 San Antonio United States

Lance Thomas (born April 24, 1988) is an American former professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils where he started at power forward for the national champion 2010 team.

Contents

High school career

Thomas attended Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey during his freshman and sophomore years. For his junior and senior years, he attended St. Benedict's Preparatory School. He led the school to two Prep A Division New Jersey State titles with a 56–3 record in his final two seasons while averaging 14.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game his senior year. In 2005, Thomas played at the USA Basketball Youth Development Festival where he helped the Blue Team win the silver medal with a 3–1 record. [1] Following his senior year, he played in the 2006 McDonald's All-American game.

Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Thomas was listed as the No. 13 small forward and the No. 42 player in the nation in 2006. [2]

After committing to Duke University on April 5, 2006, Thomas played for the Under 18 national team at the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship where he helped USA win the gold medal. [3]

Recruiting

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
NameHometownHigh school / collegeHeightWeightCommit date
Lance Thomas
PF 		Scotch Plains, NJ Scotch Plains-Fanwood (NJ)6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)225 lb (102 kg)Apr 5, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 5 stars.svg     Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 6 (PF)   Rivals: 42, 13 (F)
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Duke Basketball Commitments". Rivals.com.
  • "2006 Duke Basketball Commits". Scout.com.
  • "ESPN". ESPN.com.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com.
  • "2006 Team Ranking". Rivals.com.

College career

Thomas guarding Craig Brackins of Iowa State. Craig Brackins vs Duke.jpg
Thomas guarding Craig Brackins of Iowa State.

As a freshman, Thomas averaged 4.0 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, while shooting .568 from the field, in 31 games (18 starts).

""Best game offensively I've played in a Duke uniform. I feel like I've played better games for this team, not including having 21 points. I mean, my game is not defined by how many points I have. But if I can bring a mix of both, and it would be great.""

—Lance Thomas on his career high in points with 21 against Duquesne on November 28, 2008

As a sophomore, Thomas averaged 4.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 18.5 minutes in 32 games (28 starts). He posted a .505 field goal percentage and recorded at least five rebounds 12 times, including eight of Duke's 16 ACC games.

Thomas' career high in points came on November 28, 2008, when he scored 21 against Duquesne. His new career high broke his previous record of 15 points set on November 20, 2006. Thomas' ability to finish shots was a big staple of his improvement. It was said of him, "If he gets the ball within three feet of the basket, chances are he's going to put the ball in the hoop — regardless of whether he's fouled." [4]

As a junior, Thomas averaged 5.3 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting .626 from the field, in 37 games (16 starts). Thomas felt that the biggest difference between this year's Duke team and the ones from the last two years, was experience. [5]

In his senior year, Thomas and All-American point guard Jon Scheyer were co-captains of Duke's team. In January 2010, Thomas had a career-high 12 rebounds against NC State. On February 10, the eighth-ranked Blue Devils held on for a 64–54 victory against rival North Carolina. However, Thomas suffered a severe bone bruise to his right knee early in the second half, forcing him to miss the next game against Maryland. [6]

Thomas helped Duke win the 2010 NCAA championship, their fourth since 1991. [7] In the 2010 NCAA championship game, Duke faced Butler and star swingman Gordon Hayward. The Bulldogs had a chance to win with 3.6 seconds left, but Hayward missed a half-court shot, giving Duke a 61–59 win. [8]

Thomas was named to the 2009–10 ACC All-Defensive Team for 2010 and finished his college basketball career ranked 10th on Duke's all-time list in offensive rebounds (255). [9] In 40 games (39 starts) as a senior, he averaged 4.8 points and 4.9 rebounds in 25.3 minutes per game.

Professional career

Austin Toros (2010–2012)

Between November 2010 and December 2011, Thomas played in the NBA Development League for the Austin Toros. On December 9, 2011, Thomas signed with the New Orleans Hornets for training camp. [10] He made the Hornets' roster for the start of the lockout-shortened 2011–12 NBA season, but he was later waived by the team on December 31. [11]

On January 4, 2012, Thomas was reacquired by the Austin Toros. [12] He was later selected to play in the 2012 NBA Development League All-Star Game. In 65 games for Austin over two seasons, he averaged 13.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. [13]

New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (2012–2013)

Thomas with the Hornets on March 15, 2013. Lance Thomas Hornets.jpg
Thomas with the Hornets on March 15, 2013.

On February 6, 2012, Thomas was called up by the New Orleans Hornets, signing a 10-day contract with the team. [14] He later signed a second 10-day contract on February 16, [15] and a multi-year deal on February 27. [16]

In 2012–13, Thomas played in 59 games for the Hornets, averaging 2.5 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. [17] In April 2013, the Hornets were renamed the New Orleans Pelicans.

On July 10, 2013, Thomas was waived by the Pelicans. [18] He later re-signed with the Pelicans on August 22, [19] but he managed just five games for the team in 2013–14 before be was waived again on November 12. [20] In 106 games for New Orleans over three seasons, he averaged 3.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.4 minutes per game.

Foshan Dralions (2013–2014)

On December 27, 2013, Thomas signed with the Foshan Dralions for the rest of the 2013–14 CBA season. [21] In 16 games for Foshan, he averaged 26.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

Oklahoma City Thunder (2014–2015)

On September 29, 2014, Thomas signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. [22] Thunder head coach Scott Brooks said of Thomas, "Lance is a hard worker. He's a player that can guard multiple positions. He gives you everything he has and that's what you want." [23]

New York Knicks (2015–2019)

On January 5, 2015, Thomas was traded to the New York Knicks in a three-team, six-player trade that also involved the Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers. [24] He was waived by the Knicks two days later. [25]

On January 10, Thomas returned to the Knicks on a 10-day contract. [26] He later signed a second 10-day contract on January 21, [27] and a rest-of-season deal on January 31. [28]

On March 22, 2015, Thomas scored a career-high 24 points in a 106–89 loss to the Toronto Raptors. [29]

On July 10, 2015, Thomas re-signed with the Knicks. [30] On December 21, 2015, he tied his career high of 24 points in a 107–99 loss to the Orlando Magic. [31]

On July 8, 2016, Thomas again re-signed with the Knicks. [32]

Prior to the start of the 2017–18 season, Thomas was named co-captain of the Knicks alongside Courtney Lee. [33]

On June 29, 2019, he was waived by the Knicks. [34]

Brooklyn Nets (2020)

On September 27, 2019, Thomas signed with the Brooklyn Nets, [35] but was waived on October 18. [36] On July 14, 2020, the Nets signed Thomas as a substitute player. [37]

National team career

In 2011, Thomas was a member of the US national team that won a bronze medal at the Pan American Games. A year later, Thomas was added to the 2012 USA Men's Select Team roster that trained against the 2012 USA Basketball Men's National Team during its July 6–12 training camp in Las Vegas, Nevada. [38]

Career statistics

Legend
  GPGames played  GS Games started MPG Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage 3P%  3-point field goal percentage FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game APG  Assists per game SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game PPG Points per game Bold Career high

NBA

Regular season

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2011–12 New Orleans 421015.0.452.000.8393.0.3.2.24.0
2012–13 New Orleans 59910.9.500–.7291.9.3.2.12.5
2013–14 New Orleans 508.4.222–.5001.4.6.0.01.2
2014–15 Oklahoma City 221320.5.357.000.6973.4.9.5.05.1
2014–15 New York 402426.0.434.333.7423.01.2.7.28.3
2015–16 New York 59522.3.442.404.8572.2.9.4.18.2
2016–17 New York 461521.0.398.447.8433.2.8.4.16.0
2017–18 New York 733118.5.382.403.8302.4.6.4.24.1
2018–19 New York 461717.0.396.278.7502.5.6.4.24.5
2019–20 Brooklyn 7414.0.348.3081.0001.9.9.0.03.4
Career39912818.4.416.381.7992.6.7.4.15.1

Playoffs

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2020 Brooklyn 305.7.200.000.5001.0.0.0.31.3
Career305.7.200.000.5001.0.0.0.31.3

College

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2006–07 Duke 311814.9.568–.5932.5.0.5.14.0
2007–08 Duke 322818.5.505–.5213.3.3.6.44.3
2008–09 Duke 371618.6.626–.5533.6.5.5.35.3
2009–10 Duke 403925.3.439–.7434.9.9.6.24.8
Career14010119.7.525–.6003.6.5.6.24.6

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References

  1. ↑ All-Time USA Basketball Men's Roster // T
  2. ↑ Lance Thomas – Rivals.com
  3. ↑ FIFTH FIBA AMERICAS U18 CHAMPIONSHIP FOR MEN-- 2006
  4. ↑ Thomas scores 21 as Duke pounds Duquesne
  5. ↑ Extended Interview: Lance Thomas
  6. ↑ Duke's Thomas suffers bone bruise, to miss Maryland game
  7. ↑ Duke Holds Off Butler to Win 4th N.C.A.A. Title
  8. ↑ Duke Ends Fairy Tale Run for Butler; Captures 4th National Championship
  9. ↑ Where Lance Thomas Goes, Success Follows
  10. ↑ "Hornets add nine players to training camp". Archived from the original on March 14, 2015. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
  11. ↑ New Orleans Hornets waive F Lance Thomas
  12. ↑ 2011-12 Transactions Archived October 31, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  13. ↑ Lance Thomas D-League Stats
  14. ↑ "Hornets sign forward Lance Thomas to 10-day contract". Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
  15. ↑ "Hornets sign Lance Thomas to second 10-day contract". Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
  16. ↑ "Hornets sign Lance Thomas for rest of season". Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
  17. ↑ Lance Thomas NBA Stats
  18. ↑ PELICANS WAIVE THOMAS
  19. ↑ PELICANS SIGN LANCE THOMAS AND ARINZE ONUAKU
  20. ↑ PELICANS SIGN AMUNDSON AND CHILDRESS
  21. ↑ ShamSports.com: Lance Thomas player profile
  22. ↑ OKC Thunder training camp: Michael Jenkins, Richard Soloman, Lance Thomas, Talib Zanna added to roster
  23. ↑ Lance Thomas Makes Roster Thanks to Tenacity
  24. ↑ Knicks Part of Three-Team Trade
  25. ↑ "Knicks waive Lou Amundson, Lance Thomas, Alex Kirk". Archived from the original on January 8, 2015. Retrieved January 8, 2015.
  26. ↑ "Knicks sign Lou Amundson and Lance Thomas to 10-day contracts". Archived from the original on January 10, 2015. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
  27. ↑ Knicks Sign Lance Thomas to Second 10-Day Contract
  28. ↑ Knicks Sign Thomas For Remainder Of Season
  29. ↑ DeRozan scores 23, Raptors rout Knicks 106-89
  30. ↑ "Knicks Re-Sign Lance Thomas". NBA.com. July 10, 2015. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  31. ↑ "Vucevic scores 26, Magic snap Knicks' 4-game win streak". NBA.com. December 21, 2015. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 21, 2015.
  32. ↑ "Knicks Re-Sign Lance Thomas". NBA.com. July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  33. ↑ "New York Knicks: Courtney Lee, Lance Thomas voted team captains". dailyknicks.com. December 7, 2017. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
  34. ↑ "Lance Thomas: Waived by Knicks". cbssports.com. June 29, 2019. Retrieved June 29, 2019.
  35. ↑ "Brooklyn Nets Sign Lance Thomas". NBA.com. September 27, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
  36. ↑ "Brooklyn Nets Waive Four". NBA.com. October 18, 2019. Retrieved October 19, 2019.
  37. ↑ "BROOKLYN NETS SIGN LANCE THOMAS". NBA.com. July 14, 2020. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  38. ↑ USA Basketball Adds Two 2011 USA Pan American Games Players to 2012 USA Men’s Select Team Roster
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