No 4. Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke
Grade: A+
In one of the most puzzling cases of the season so far, Brandon Clarke averaged more than 15 minutes per game in the first four contests of the season. Then, for reasons unknown, Taylor Jenkins gave him a DNP (did not play) for three of the four next games.
Fans were bewildered, fans were questioning Jenkins’ rotations and why someone who has been a spark off the bench was literally not playing any minutes.
Thankfully, Clarke is back in the rotation, since getting those DNP’s, he’s played in seven consecutive games, averaging 15.6 minutes, 9.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks on 62% shooting.
He’s making highlight play after highlight play and giving Morant a nice rim-runner to find on fast breaks or whenever he’s penetrating the paint.
No 5. Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant
Grade: A+
Do we really need to elaborate on this? Morant has improved every facet of his game entering year three in the Association.
He’s currently the eighth-leading scorer in the NBA (26.0 ppg) and eleventh in the league in assists per game (7.1 apg).
Increasing his points per game by a full seven points and creating highlight play after highlight play has elevated his profile around the league.
It’s becoming more and more clear that he’s going to be an NBA All-Star this season and could be the favorite for being named the NBA’s most improved player award by the time the season is over.