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2017 NBA Draft: 5 potential steals

By Max Holm

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Malik Monk (Kentucky) shows off the inside of his suit jacket as he is introduced as the number eleven overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Malik Monk (Kentucky) shows off the inside of his suit jacket as he is introduced as the number eleven overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

5. Sindarius Thornwell (No. 48) and Jawun Evans (No. 39) – Los Angeles Clippers

First a quick disclaimer. Jawun Evans is supposed to be heading to the Los Angeles Clippers from the Philadelphia 76ers, but the Sixers are waiting to see how the new salary cap plays out after July 1.

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Evans will likely come to the Clippers and offers a shifty, pick-and-roll point guard that can grow into a starter’s role if Chris Paul leaves the franchise. Should Paul return, he could blossom into one of the league’s best backups. Not a bad mentor for a rookie.

As for Sindarius Thornwell, like Evans, he had a legitimate case as a first round pick. Getting both guys in the second round is superb drafting. While he’s one of those older seniors who slid to the second round, he has NBA player written all over him.

Thornwell loves playing aggressively and on defense. It’s hard to find that in a league full of egos and scoring. He shot the lights out of the three-ball this year, which some expect to regress. Still, if he provides average shooting and excellent defense, he fits the bill of the wings NBA teams seldom get their hands on.

With J.J. Redick possibly out the door, Thornwell could step into heavy minutes right away. If Redick stays, he could still be one of the most productive bench wings next season.