Al

Thornton

Thornton recently worked out for the Clippers and Suns, but obviously couldn’t convince them to sign him. He’s averaged 11.9 points and 4.2 rebounds in his NBA career, and will likely return to the Association sooner or later.

Michael Finley and Jermaine Taylor have worked out for both the Suns and Clippers, and the Clippers have also taken a look at Al Thornton and Bobby Simmons. Phoenix was simply surveying their options for later in the year, but L.A. seems interested in adding a backup SG behind Randy Foye.

“We’ll see. Hopefully. We’ll see,” Thornton said when asked about his chances of agreeing to a deal with Denver. If he is signed, Thornton should act as depth off the bench on a depleted front line.

Thornton averaged 16.8 points for the Clippers in 2008-09, and his career averages of 45.2 percent FGs and 74.7 percent FTs aren’t too shabby, but he’s obviously fallen out of favor with league executives. Fantasy owners can safely ignore him, even if he does make an NBA roster this year.

Morrison has been playing overseas for years now and is a longshot to make the Nets roster, but it’s excellent to see him healthy and enjoying the game. He is joined on the Summer League team by fellow make-good veterans Julian Wright and Al Thornton.

Thornton had drawn some interest from the Nets, Clippers, Suns and Magic, but wasn’t likely to earn a guaranteed contract in the NBA. Wilson Chandler averaged 26.6 points in 32 games for the Lions during the 2011-12 season, and Thornton should have similar success -- he’s a natural scorer, and the flaws in his game won’t be as glaring in the CBA.

During Friday’s media blitz, David Stern said “We have players playing overseas risking an injury for a payday. It’s very sad.” His characterization is unfair but not entirely untrue, and if Thornton signs in China he won’t be allowed to have an NBA-out.

He also had five turnovers, but who’s counting? Thornton is guaranteed to see decent minutes while Elton Brand is out, but Tim Thomas looks like a better fantasy bet at this point.

He’s going to get minutes, but Tim Thomas and Ruben Patterson look like better early fantasy options for the Clips.

He’ll return to work out for Philly next Monday. It’s doubtful that Thornton lasts until the 12 slot where Philly has its first of three first round selections, but many things could transpire to allow Thornton to fall to the Sixers.