Height/Weight: 6'5", 193 lbs
Age: 22 years old
Projected NBA Position: Combo Guard
Pro Comparison: Tyreke Evans/Jerryd Bayless
Twitter Handle: @JClark5on
It was a bit of a shock to see Jordan Clarkson get passed on 45 times in the 2014 NBA draft. He'd been coming off a breakout year at Missouri after transferring from Tulsa, and his stock in most NBA circles seemed to be up following the combine in May.
It could mean very good news for the Los Angeles Lakers, who traded into this year's second round to snag Clarkson at No. 46 overall.
"I use that as motivation anytime I step out on the court," Clarkson told Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times, referring to his slide down the board. "I always had that chip on my shoulder. It’s just a bigger one now that I got drafted low."
Clarkson has been impressive early on so far in Las Vegas Summer League, where he's averaging 18.6 points on a red-hot 7-of-14 shooting from downtown over his first three games.
Though the Lakers just acquired Jeremy Lin, Clarkson's versatility as a combo guard could be attractive to L.A. right now, while his long-term potential should make him a developmental project worth taking on.
PHYSICAL TOOLS
At 6'5", 193 pounds, Clarkson's size helps differentiate him from other ball-handlers. He also has a broad set of shoulders and a terrific NBA body for a playmaker.
Clarkson possesses smooth athleticism with excellent change-of-direction ability. Though not overly explosive or quick, he's tough to stay in front of, while his 38.5" max vertical plays a role in his scoring prowess around the rim.
His 6'8" wingspan shouldn't cause too much trouble defensively for opposing 2-guards, but it could against smaller point guards.
Overall, Clarkson has a shar...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
