Who is more likely to be Harden's primary backup next season?

Thornton will play the Delfino role.

KJ is and will remain insurance(injuries) until he takes that jump in practice like Clint Capela did near the end of last season.

 

Knowing McHale, I'd lean towards neither though I think Thornton is more likely.

I don't know how McHale will handle this surplus though. Doesn't have a rookie he can leave out of the rotation for being a rookie in this case.

 

Thornton, nominally - but remember Ariza plays a ton of minutes, so Brewer will be needing more than just backup SF minutes to be worth what we're paying him. Furthermore, Beverley might stumble into some SG minutes just to keep him happy with his backup role. KJ and Thornton will both be spot players in the short term unless someone gets hurt.

 

Thornton. He can flat out get buckets.

People are sleeping on him.

 

I agree that Lawson's the primary help for Harden. However, I think both will close out close games & they may even start games. One of them will be on the court 90% of the time. Thornton, Brewer & KJ will spell them.