Marcus Thornton: 3 NBA Teams That Are Good Fits For Him

Mar 20, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Marcus Thornton (2) reacts after a basket during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia’s PF/C Marcus Thornton leaves the Bulldogs after a great career for the Bulldogs.  In his redshirt senior season for UGA, Thornton averaged 12.3 PPG and 7.3 RPG in 31 games for the Dawgs.  Defensively, Thornton made a big difference when he was on the floor for HC Mark Fox (4.0 Defensive +/-).

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Overall, Marcus Thornton had his best season at Georgia in 2014-15 (20.8 Player Efficiency Rating [15.0 is the average]).  With a great low post game, decent shooting from three (.300 3P%), and sound defensive play, Thornton should garner interest from several teams in the NBA.  While he may or may not get drafted on June 25th, here are three teams that I think could benefit from having Marcus Thornton on its roster.

Los Angeles Clippers

The contending Clippers are close to winning a championship under HC Doc Rivers.  Assuming that they can re-sign C DeAndre Jordan to a maximum contract, the Clippers will have one of the best starting fives in the NBA now that Doc acquired wing Lance Stephenson from Charlotte.

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But outside of Jordan, Stephenson, Chris Paul, JJ Redick, and of course Blake Griffin, Los Angeles has one the league’s weakest bench rotations.  Sure, Jamal Crawford is a fantastic sixth man and Austin Rivers became a solid player for his dad during the playoffs.  But who besides Glen “Big Baby” Davis can contribute for the Clips off the bench in the front court now that lightly used Spencer Hawes is in Charlotte?

I can see Marcus Thornton being able to give the Clippers a boost off the bench for Doc with his inside game and defensive awareness.  He’ll fit right in with Los Angeles who are one of the Association’s best offensive teams.  Then again, Doc has this affinity for NBA players who were really good back in 2010, so you never know what GM Doc is thinking.

Next: Could Another Pacific Division Team Use Marcus?