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2017 NBA Mock Draft: The 76ers lock up a point guard

By Chris Stone

Jan 17, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Pitt Panthers at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Pitt Panthers at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 31, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) laughs during practice for the 2017 Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) laughs during practice for the 2017 Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
29

Sindarius Thornwell

SG/SF, South Carolina

Most of the league’s best rosters have an abundance of 3-and-D wings of varying skill levels. The two teams in the finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors, have plenty of them and the San Antonio Spurs, too, are building out their own cadre of the archetype. Snagging another one of those players late in the first round is certainly a worthwhile endeavor, so the Spurs are slotted with South Carolina’s Sindarius Thornwell at No. 29.

The 6-foot-5 guard has excellent size to fill out that role on the defensive end. His 6-foot-10 wingspan and strong frame should make him a versatile defender capable of switching ball screens to limit opposing offenses. Thornwell was also terrific posting box score stats during his senior season, averaging 2.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per 40 minutes.

On offense, Thornwell needs to prove to NBA franchises that his 3-point shooting is sustainable. Although he made 39.5 percent of his attempts as a senior, he is just a career 34.0 percent marksman from deep. Thornwell improved his free throw shooting this season in conjunction with the jump in 3-point percentage, so perhaps it will be a more sustainable improvement. The 6-foot-5 guard will bring some other offensive tools to the table, but his 3-point shooting will be the swing skill.