What Signing Sindarius Thornwell Means for the New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans announced the signing of Sindarius Thornwell, but what does it mean for the roster heading into Orlando?

With the news that three members of the New Orleans Pelicans had tested positive for coronavirus, it was only a matter of time until someone was replaced.

We still don’t know who that person is going to be, but we know the replacement, as the New Orleans Pelicans announced that they signed Sindarius Thornwell for the remainder of the season:

Thornwell is a 6-foot-5 shooting guard who most recently played for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA G League, but also spent parts of two seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Coming out of South Carolina, Thornwell was known as a physical defensive specialist and spot-up shooter. Though Thornwell’s shot has improved, if he makes a roster it will be because of his defense.

He has the size, strength and wingpan (6-foot-9) to defend multiple positions, has a high motor and will get after it on the defensive end of the floor.

Offensively Thornwell doesn’t offer much, as he is not quick enough to beat defenders and does have some problems getting his shot off.

Thornwell was likely brought in to replicate some of the bigger, stronger wings the Pelicans will face in Orlando and to provide some defensive competition for the rotation players in practice.

The New Orleans Pelicans are also thin at shooting guard, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker still recovering from an injury and J.J. Redick back from an injured hamstring. Thornwell could potentially play some spot minutes if someone gets into foul trouble or they suffer an injury.

Mostly he’ll be used to dog the Pelicans’ starters in practice, but what does his signing mean for the rest of the roster? Is someone else staying home?