Marcus Thornton

chube · Post #1 » by **chube** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 8:41 pm

Anybody think we should maybe take a look at his availability this summer? Granted, he's still playing on his rookie second-round contract so he's under $800k this year. So, obviously his stock will go up. But even after a strong year last year in New Orleans, they criminally underused him and Sacramento figured it out once they traded for him last month.

His contract expires this summer and assuming Paul George is the 2 of the future, I think we should take a look at Thornton...IF he's willing to come off the bench but not necessarily be trapped under bench minutes. Maybe have more of a role like Jason Terry or Manu Ginobili, especially given Paul's versatility at either wing spot. He's a sharp-shooter like Dunleavy, can score in bunches like Dunleavy, but at least this season, he's more consistent than Dunleavy. Letting him be the offensive leader of the second unit could be huge, plus he does have experience playing with Collison.

We can't bank on this necessarily because if the Kings are smart, they'll make a play to re-sign him. But with Dunleavy expiring this season, Rush seemingly having no solid role on this team going forward, Paul's versatility and Posey's expiring contract becoming more attractive to teams starting next year, there could be a nice place for Thornton.

Post #2 » by **Miller4ever** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 9:00 pm

With the slightly evil idea that Paul George may be the 3 of the future, it may give guys like Thornton a chance.

I don't feel he's got the right skillset we need with this current squad, but I wouldn't be opposed to using a little money and a roster spot on him.

Post #3 » by **Scoot McGroot** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 12:47 am

I like the idea. I think very solid long-term rotational guys like Thornton are what we should be looking to spend our money on this off-season.

Indy2thaWindy · Post #4 » by **Indy2thaWindy** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 12:52 am

He doesn't play D.

chube · Post #5 » by **chube** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 1:36 am

^^^ Nor does Dunleavy, so he's a cheaper, younger, more creative and more athletic version of Mikey. But if we could manage to keep Dahntay or Rush in there as the other backup wing, that would offset Thornton's defensive shortcomings a little bit.

Indy2thaWindy · Post #6 » by **Indy2thaWindy** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 1:38 am

chube wrote:^^^ Nor does Dunleavy, so he's a cheaper, younger, more creative and more athletic version of Mikey. But if we could manage to keep Dahntay or Rush in there as the other backup wing, that would offset Thornton's defensive shortcomings a little bit.

I like Thornton, he just doesn't play D. He can score.

paulgeorge24 · Post #7 » by **paulgeorge24** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 2:17 am

Indy2thaWindy wrote:
chube wrote:^^^ Nor does Dunleavy, so he's a cheaper, younger, more creative and more athletic version of Mikey. But if we could manage to keep Dahntay or Rush in there as the other backup wing, that would offset Thornton's defensive shortcomings a little bit.

I like Thornton, he just doesn't play D. He can score.

He's a great fit then. No one on our team plays D either.

Boneman2 · Post #8 » by **Boneman2** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 2:15 pm

Indy2thaWindy wrote:
chube wrote:^^^ Nor does Dunleavy, so he's a cheaper, younger, more creative and more athletic version of Mikey. But if we could manage to keep Dahntay or Rush in there as the other backup wing, that would offset Thornton's defensive shortcomings a little bit.

I like Thornton, he just doesn't play D. He can score.

42 last night, yep he can score.

Post #9 » by **Miller4ever** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 4:50 pm

He's been averaging 22 since joining the Kings, on super-high percentages.

Draft Master J · Post #10 » by **Draft Master J** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 4:59 pm

He's very Ben Gordon-like. Good enough to be a starter, but he'd be dynamite as a team's go-to-guy off the bench.

If Sacramento is willing to deal him for whatever reason, I'd be interested.

Ruhiel · Post #11 » by **Ruhiel** » Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:39 pm

Marcus Thornton efficiency/PER is higher than Ben Gordon's ever was. Ben Gordon is 6'0 and stuck between positions but Marcus Thornton is 6'4. He is more comparable to Monta Ellis.

Indy2thaWindy · Post #12 » by **Indy2thaWindy** » Fri Mar 18, 2011 7:17 pm

Ruhiel wrote:Marcus Thornton efficiency/PER is higher than Ben Gordon's ever was. Ben Gordon is 6'0 and stuck between positions but Marcus Thornton is 6'4. He is more comparable to Monta Ellis.

I'd go with BG comparison.

Post #13 » by **Miller4ever** » Fri Mar 18, 2011 9:50 pm

He's a bigger, better Ben Gordon, I'd say. His lack of anything other than scoring is what makes him unlike Monta Ellis. Ellis passes better, rebounds better, and at least has active hands on D.

pacers33 · Post #14 » by **pacers33** » Fri Mar 18, 2011 9:56 pm

Yeah I heard his defense is below par, but his offense is stellar. I'm worried about his defense though. It was so bad that Monty Williams benched him for it, not good. I like the Gordon comparison, just not as good shooter as Gordon. Better slasher.

Ruhiel · Post #15 » by **Ruhiel** » Fri Mar 18, 2011 10:54 pm

pacers33 wrote:Yeah I heard his defense is below par, but his offense is stellar. I'm worried about his defense though. It was so bad that Monty Williams benched him for it, not good. I like the Gordon comparison, just not as good shooter as Gordon. Better slasher.

Jarrett Jack was the worst defender on our team, getting SG minutes ahead of Thornton, while complaining about playing time. Solution rookie coach picks on 2nd year player and gets him shipped out. NOH are not built for the playoffs but at least show some faith in the hometown guy :lol:

Love what he's doing in SAC, but I suspect he might sign elsewhere.

Post #16 » by **Miller4ever** » Fri Mar 18, 2011 11:29 pm

JJ played good D while he was here...just not on SG's.

paulgeorge24 · Post #17 » by **paulgeorge24** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 2:37 am

Miller4ever wrote:JJ played good D while he was here...just not on SG's.

Everytime I see DJones, I see JJ. Two guys that are really enamored with themselves in my eyes. :oops:

Post #18 » by **Miller4ever** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 5:22 am

Dahntay Jones is much more about the team. He's the first guy off the bench to cheer people on. He's enthusiastic and energetic and may be unaware, but I think he's a good teammate.

paulgeorge24 · Post #19 » by **paulgeorge24** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 4:57 pm

Miller4ever wrote:Dahntay Jones is much more about the team. He's the first guy off the bench to cheer people on. He's enthusiastic and energetic and may be unaware, but I think he's a good teammate.

I'm interested to hear what you think about when he gets the ball on offense? The jab steb for 5-7 seconds followed by dribbling with no purpose for 5-7 seconds followed by drive to basket for circus shot followed by complaining. That's what I see most of the time from him and people have told me the same thing, so I know I'm not alone here. :wink:

Post #20 » by **Miller4ever** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 5:06 pm

Jab steps, etc. It's all good. The man shoots 49% from the field, with 39% from 3 and a 57% TS. That puts him 3rd on the whole team below Josh McRoberts, whose makes are usually around the basket, and Mike Dunleavy, who is at the end of the day a good shooter. Add to that the fact that his turnover rate per possession is 6th on the team below guys like Posey, Foster, and Tyler, and you have one of the most consistent and efficient offensive players we have. Not to mention that he has the 3rd best per-36 points per game right below Danny and Tyler.

I honestly don't see the circus shots you're talking about as much as I see solid midrange jumpers and corner 3's that have been falling this season. The man rightfully thinks of himself as a legit offensive option off the bench, and coach is okay with him taking those shots.