The Minnesota Timberwolves knew Jaylen Clark would be a redshirt project when they selected him 53rd overall in last year’s draft. Clark was just months off surgery to repair his torn Achilles. Considering its timing, it was evident that he would miss a large chunk, if not all, of the 2023-24 season.
Minnesota would offer Clark some stability. They signed him to a rare two-year two-way contract to keep him in the organization while he rehabbed, allowing him the chance to make an impact in Year 2. His time has now come. Summer League is approaching, giving us our first glimpse of Clark at the next level. We could all use a refresher on his game.
Clark was an absolute defensive game-wrecker at UCLA. He became a vital piece of their talented rosters, providing defense in every way possible. Clark worked on the ball as a point-of-attack defender. However, he also found niche ways away from the ball to always be involved in the possession. Clark showcased elite anticipation and the ability always to be positioned optimally in passing lanes as a disruption threat.
His relentless motor and energy fuel everything he does. As one of college basketball’s best defensive playmakers, Clark found multiple ways to get deflections, steals, and blocks. His sheer effort and instinct were a deadly combination. Clark averaged an absurd 2.6 steals per game in his junior season as one of three high-major players in the 2022-23 season to average a steal percentage of 5.0% or better.
Clark’s defensive chops alone should earn him playing time next year. While it may be challenging to see its true impact in the chaotic context of Summer League, seeing minutes in live competition will be a great first glimpse at what he did at UCLA.
The Wolves elected to give Clark the entire off-season to get healthy rather than rushing him into the end of last year’s G-League season, which was the easiest pathway for both parties. Next year, he should spend a lot of his minutes with the Iowa Wolves.
Clark’s defense is incredibly intriguing and likely to translate. However, his offensive impact will ultimately decide his NBA ceiling and future in the league. While Clark improved each year at UCLA, flaunting improved counting stats and overall feel for the game offensively every year, it’s uncertain whether it will translate to the NBA.
It remains incredibly difficult to impact the game in today’s NBA with limited offensive production or three-point abilities. Players, especially guards, quickly become liabilities within the offense no matter how impactful they can be defensively if they don’t have a quality trait to rely upon offensively.
Offensively, Clark falls into the “jump shot away” category. While he has showcased a lot of ability to attack the rim, he lacks the elite athleticism to aid his driving — a necessary trait to compensate for his lack of jump shot. However, Clark’s touch around the rim offers a lot of intrigue, allowing him to be crafty enough to read defenders and showcase an array of finishes. Still, it may be difficult for him to get to the rim effectively when NBA defenders sag off him at the three-point arc.
While it’s important to recap Clark’s time at UCLA and development as a player, he has not played on court minutes since March 4th, 2023. He could surprise many with a more developed jumper or experience growing pains as he adjusts to the next level. Much of it remains unknown, making him one of the biggest wildcard sleepers on Minnesota’s roster.
Stylistically, Clark could use old friend Josh Okogie as a development blueprint. Okogie was more polished as a scorer in college and held a more prominent role. However, Clark’s NBA role should be similar to Okogie’s because they share similar archetypes and measurements.
Similar to Okogie, Clark’s offensive fit is uncertain. Clark should see many of the same defensive coverages as Okogie. Teams will sag off him immensely on the three-point arc, making it difficult to use any sort of cutting ability. Therefore, the jump shot must improve. While Okogie made strides to become a better shooter with the Phoenix Suns, he was still limited to being a rotational regular-season player only because those Suns teams lacked depth.
Clark’s route to success likely starts with enabling him in the G-League, so he becomes more comfortable. There is a pathway to success where he becomes a back end of the rotation, regular season defensive-minded wing. He will be in the final season of his two-year, two-way deal next year. However, if the front office likes what they see, they can easily extend him on a rookie-scale, team-friendly contract.
Whether it is spot minutes, end-of-quarter defensive substitution, or even valuable depth, Clark has a real chance to offer upside as the 53rd pick in the draft. Regardless of what he becomes, he’s a second-round steal as long as he can make an impact.
