New York Knicks: Deep Sleepers To Consider In 2017 NBA Draft

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Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) celebrates with South Carolina Gamecocks guard PJ Dozier (15) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Sindarius Thornwell, South Carolina Gamecocks

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 22 (11/15/1994)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4.75″, 212 pounds, 6’10”
2016-17 Slash Line: .444/.392/.830
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.3 MPG, 21.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.1 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 1.9 3PM

If you’re questioning how the reigning SEC Player of the Year could be a deep sleeper, we’re in the same boat. Sindarius Thornwell isn’t the most explosive athlete in this draft class, but he’s a rugged competitor who defends at a high level.

The New York Knicks need players who can defend, shoot, and willingly move the ball, and Thornwell checks all three of those boxes.

Thornwell is currently ranked No. 61 by DraftExpress and No. 63 by Chad Ford of ESPN Insider. This comes mere months after Thornwell was named SEC Player of the Year and led the South Carolina Gamecocks to the first Final Four appearance in program history.

Thornwell achieved those feats by competing on the defensive end of the floor and producing elite scoring numbers that established just how well-rounded his game already is.

Thornwell can attack a closeout and either set his teammates up or convert a midrange jump shot. He can work without the ball to find his spots and convert 3-point field goals. He can even turn defense into offense with his long wingspan and active hands.

Thornwell isn’t an elite athlete, but he’s a competitor who could be an absolute steal at No. 58 if the current projections hold true.

Must Read: An ambitious and optimistic 2017 NBA Mock Draft

The New York Knicks could find a diamond in the rough during the 2017 NBA Draft.

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