They earned spots in the Clippers’ rotation last season as rookies, both Sindarius Thornwell and Jawun Evans carving out their niche as defense-oriented guards, their playing time increasing as injuries to teammates mounted.
Now, the two second-round draft picks are almost afterthoughts because the Clippers drafted their backcourt of the future, point guard Shai Gilgeous- Alexander and shooting guard Jerome Robinson.
But rather than run away from the challenge, both Thornwell and Evans have embraced what’s before them.
Thornwell, who had 22 points in the Clippers’ 88-78 win over Sacramento Sunday night in the NBA Summer League at Cox Pavilion, said his first thought when Gilgeous-Alexander and Robinson were drafted was, “welcome to the team.