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Brandon Clarke Needs More Playing Time

By F?rat Ak?ener

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Brandon Clarke #15 hi-fives coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the Finals of the Las Vegas Summer League on July 15, 2019 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Brandon Clarke #15 hi-fives coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the Finals of the Las Vegas Summer League on July 15, 2019 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies’ rookie sensation has one of the best per minute numbers in the entire NBA and should be unleashed to fulfill his true potential.

Brandon Clarke is giving Grizzlies fans more reasons to tune into every game and feel exhilarated about their team’s future. Although Jaren Jackson Jr. has struggled to start the season, Memphis Grizzlies fans clearly know from the previous season that JJJ has enormous potential and is built for the modern game. In the meantime, second overall pick Ja Morant has had a spectacular start to the season and is currently busy proving doubters wrong.

Amid all the hype around Morant and Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke has been quietly (or maybe not so quietly) impressive in the limited floor time he has seen in the first 5 weeks of the season. He is averaging only 22.2 points game and is coming off the bench behind Grizzlies’ summer signing Jonas Valanciunas.  Nevertheless, the Vancouver native is averaging 12.7 points and 6.1 rebounds while posting an eFG% of 65.5.

Clarke makes the most of his time on the floor and gives you the feeling that he is involved in every play. The Grizzlies are careful not the overwork their young players but Clarke has been a per minute monster and has not struggled to get his stats. The 23 year old is averaging 20.6 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per 36 minutes on great shooting splits.

Clarke’s unwearying effort on both ends of the floor allows the Grizzlies to play faster and reach a higher level defensively. The Grizzlies currently rank 7th in the league in pace and that figure (104.79) is below the pace at which the Grizzlies can play with Clarke on the floor (106.24).

Moreover, Clarke, Morant and JJJ have shared the floor for a measly 31 minutes so far and have sported a defensive rating of 117.1 played at a pace of 109.02. In comparison, Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Valanciunas trio have played together for 135 minutes and have a defensive rating of 110.0. When Valanciunas is on the floor, the pace drops to 102.84.

It is quite usual for head coaches to bring rookies off the bench to give them time to adjust to the league. However, Taylor Jenkins did not hesitate to give Morant the keys from the start and let him run the Memphis offense. Clarke has proven himself to be just as ready and deserves to be out there night in and night out. At age 23, he is closer to being a finished product than Morant and JJJ and must not spend his first year behind a traditional center who slows the entire team while getting his numbers.

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Struggling rookies require veteran mentorship and need their head coaches to ease them into the mix. Clarke is just not a struggling rookie. He can be the heartbeat of this young Grizzlies team.

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