WALTHAM, Mass. — Marcus Thornton was introduced Tuesday as part of the Boston Celtics’ four-player rookie class, but his chances of actually suiting up for the C’s this season appear slim.
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said Thornton, whom Boston selected 45th overall out of William & Mary in last week’s draft, likely will spend this season playing either overseas or with the Celtics’ D-League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws.
“Nevertheless,” Ainge said, “we think that he has a bright future as a Boston Celtic.”
Thornton, a 6-foot-3 guard, earned CAA Player of the Year honors this past season and graduated as William & Mary’s all-time leading scorer. He averaged 20.0 points per game as a senior, good for 17th in Division I.
“Obviously, it’s different competition levels, so the numbers get a little skewed there,” Thornton said. “But I think skill is skill at the end of the day.”
Though an NBA roster spot looks like a long shot for Thornton, he still will be a part of the Celtics’ summer league squad for this month’s circuits in Utah and Las Vegas, where he hopes to boost his profile in the organization’s eyes.
“Like Danny was saying, it’s your job as a player to prove to the coach that you belong and you deserve it,” Thornton said. “I’m just looking forward to getting to work, being a great teammate, learn from these guys and do the best I can.”
Thumbnail photo via Evan Habeeb/USA TODAY Sports Images
