Draft Countdown: Marcus Thornton

[nivisi9]

raptors looking for some production from the 2 guard? someone who can score and contribute? maybe someone in the draft who could be picked up in late 1st if a second pick is acquired?

say hello to one of most proven, efficient, and slept on prospect in the draft?

LSU's Marcus Thornton

MPG:31.9 PPG:21.1 RBG: 5.5 APG: 2.1 SPG: 1.7 FG%: 47% 3PT: 39%

he's an absolute born scorer, deadly, but most importantly an efficient one. Gotta love those shooting %, helps separate the real scorers from the chuckers when scouting. Smart player, can sometimes fall in love with the 3 but gets to the line awhole lot. Also a very physical defender, and good hands, passing lanes = steals. He just knows how to play the game, he has the feel, he rubs off with those intangibles when you watch him play.

LSU always seems to hav these "come outta nowhere" talented nba prospects, anthony randolph, glen davis, tyrus thomas (before march madness)

a guy the Raptors could look at for depth at the 2-guard if they were to acquire another late round pick like BC has hinted

he has such a clean, effective shot. Just sinks perfectly through mesh, gets good height on his jumpers as well. heres some highlights to see what i mean..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXNxKN6q50

if your talking sleepers, and raptor needs, i just think Marcus Thornton should be in the discussion

[Blazer_2458]

Hook me up with Marcus Thornton as the Raps 6th man for the next 10 years.

[C_Money]

I watch Tennessee so I've seen him a few times. He looks really good. btw this is not the "worst draft ever".

[tylrrr]

It's not the worst-ever, no, but in terms of 'sure things' and top-calibre prospects it's pretty bad.

[nivisi9]

he gives me the same type vibes/feelings i got from past sleepers like Al Jefferson, Monta Ellis, anthony randolph, thaddeus young, who werent discussed much coming into the draft

[RocLaFamilia]

The vibe I get from the draft is that there is a massive amount of very good role player types and maybe 1 or 2 bona-fide stars. Which doesn't make it that bad of a draft.

[C_Money]

I think most people just look at the first 5 picks and their like "wow 1 maybe 2 possible allstars. Worst draft ever." There's alot of future starters though.

[nivisi9]

Thornton is the perfect example of a quality guard who is downplayed and looked over by more raw, athletic, yet less talented guards which are used with top 15 picks (Terrence Williams) when you can get a better overall player like thornton late. also see joey graham over danny granger a few years back as another example

[DG88]

Marcus Thorton = Jason Terry

Only thing he's not a guy you can give the ball to and make him create.

[diggity_88]

his shot in that video, looks very Ray Allen esque, the way he sets up his jumper, always on his toes and then just springs up.

[Nikeforged]

Exactly what our team needs. Another shooter

[BigBurd]

If we go BPA with 9 I think he's proven himself an effective enough SG to be used the same way we used AP last year.

After watching a few vids I get the impression he's very comfortable with that hand in his face, but I can't find any longer videos so my big question is about his defense.

I assume watching the Tourney LSU vs. North Carolina game should show him guarding some of Lawson, Ellington, & Green... does any NCAA fan recommend a more specific game where he might have guarded other legit PG/SG prospects?

[cdel00]

Big fan of his kid can shoot 3s and draws freethrows