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Philadelphia 76ers: 5 options for pick No. 36 in 2017 NBA Draft

By Jerran Anderson

Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) reacts after making a basket against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) reacts after making a basket against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) and South Carolina Gamecocks forward Chris Silva (30) celebrate during the second half against the Marquette Golden Eagles in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Sindarius Thornwell, SG, South Carolina

Sindarius Thornwell is a prospect who the Philadelphia 76ers would welcome with open arms if he were selected with the 36th selection in the NBA Draft. Thornwell made vast improvements in his final season with the South Carolina Gamecocks.

He has the versatility and toughness the Sixers’ front office would love at 6’5″ and 215 pounds. One thing that stands out is Thornwell’s improved three-point shooting ability.

He averaged 21.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.1 steals per game to earn SEC Player of the Year honors in 2016-17. The Gamecocks’ 26-11 record and unforeseen run to the NCAA Final Four were largely due to the contributions of Thornwell.

Thornwell shot 39.5 percent from the three-point line, a career-high and 44.5 from the field — also a career-high. He showed his growth this past season in the NCAA, emerging as a leader on a tough South Carolina team.

The senior combo-guard scored 44 points and grabbed 21 rebounds in a quadruple-overtime loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide 90-86. Although his team lost, Thornwell still showed why teams would love to have his competitive edge.

Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery edition

Backing up Ben Simmons and/or playing next to him is one idea that remains on the table, especially if Jerryd Bayless doesn’t work out.

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