Al Thornton: Future star, or 'veteran rookie'?

[Schad]

This thread isn't to denigrate Thornton; he has played well this season, and the praise for his game is certainly deserved. However, I do wonder whether those suggesting him as a future star are missing one variable: his age.

Thornton is a beast, but at age 24, shouldn't he be much more impressive than his 18-21 year old counterparts? 12.7/4.5 on a TS% of .505 is solid as a rookie, but loses some of its lustre when one considers that he is older than six All-Stars this year (and four-fifths of the Eastern Conference starting line-up).

I ask because it is very difficult to find an easy comparison; there are virtually no players who have come through the college ranks, made their debuts so late, and went on the stardom. Only Dikembe Mutombo and David Robinson fit the bill, and both entered the league fully formed. Of course, the reverse is true; no college player save those two has entered and made such an immediate impact, nor showed the same kind of potential. Looking over the numbers, Brent Barry (another Clipper, coincidentally) is the closest comparator in terms of rookie success for a 24 year old.

So...is Al Thornton a late-bloomer who should be judged as an outstanding rookie and likely star, or just a physically mature 24 year old who is more likely to plateau than ascend?

[carlos1223]

Theres nothing wrong with communisim Schadenfreude. Its good on paper at least. lol However to answer the question...i dont think Thorton will be as good as Mutumbo and Robinson

[dockingsched]

i don't think he's destined for stardom, i do however think his game will improve more than a player his age would be expected. having seen him play all season, his game reminds u of someone who only played one yr in college. he's all athleticism, with very raw skills. you'd think his game would be more refined but its not.

[Duiz]

Thornton = HoF+GOAT and Perennial MVP

[Texas Longhorns]

He is a Josh Howard type of player. He has potential to be a star, kind of like J-Ho. I don't know if he will become one, it's all up to him, if he works he will. If he doesn't, he will become like Gerald Green.

[GswStorm3]

Thornton is a ball hog, he doesn't know the definition of pass.

[NO-KG-AI]

i don't think he's destined for stardom, i do however think his game will improve more than a player his age would be expected. having seen him play all season, his game reminds u of someone who only played one yr in college. he's all athleticism, with very raw skills. you'd think his game would be more refined but its not.

Beautiful, well put, QFT, agreed, etc.

[carrottop12]

His maturity and ability to think as a player for going to college for 4 years will far outweigh anything that he learned as far as basketball skills go.

Being mature will allow him to further his game just as far as anyone 1 and done player would have.

[gswhoops]

I don't think he'll ever be a "star" per se (although he could be) but he will get better and he will be a very nice player.

Upside IMO is Shawn Marion, downside...what he already is.

[tsherkin]

I dunno, I don't think the age is all that important. He's a rookie, so you expect certain elements of a rookie season to affect most rookies the same way. He's got the physical traits necessary for success, now he just has to let coaching and hard work build his skills up to match his athleticism. I think he'll be fine, I think he can definitely be like Corey Maggette (only smarter) and a repeat All-Star.

Will it happen? *shrugs*

But I don't think his late start precludes him from being an All-Star two or three times.

[Grenerd686]

For his age Thorton is not all that impressive. There are many players that are better than him and younger. Thorton has the age of 3 or 4 year vet.