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2017 NBA Draft: 5 potential second round steals

By Max Holm

Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Frank Jackson (15) drives around North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) during the first half during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Frank Jackson (15) drives around North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) during the first half during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) shoots the ball against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews (4) during the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) shoots the ball against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews (4) during the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Sindarius Thornwell, SG, South Carolina

Other than Frank Jackson, you can see a growing trend in these sleepers. They’re mostly older, NBA-ready guys without a tremendous amount of upside. Upside is still important, even in the second round, but that’s not where you’re most likely to find value. This collection of players is more ready to contribute right away and turn into underrated role players on winning teams.

In terms of that profile, look no further than Sindarius Thornwell. While he’ll be 23 this year, Thornwell has the potential to be a very useful two-way wing in the NBA. During his SEC Player of the Year campaign, Thornwell put up 21 points, seven rebounds and nearly three assists and led South Carolina to the Final Four. The best sign for his NBA prospects was shooting a career-high from three and the line.

While teams should be wary of jumping to conclusions off of one season, he did shoot the ball consistently well from the line in college. Thornwell is likely going to face a rude awakening similar to Buddy Hield, in that he won’t be able to do much besides shoot and cut offensively.

But what he has that Hield lacks is the size and intensity on defense. Defense is what is going to get him on the court. Shooting is what will keep him in the league. Any playoff team with multiple second round picks should seriously consider him. Thornwell won’t back down or be afraid to do the dirty work.

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