Jordan Clarkson had a tremendous Vegas Pro League week. He often played like the best player on the floor. Julius Randle looked winded at times. Rodrique Beaubois played limited minutes. Kendall Marshall did his best, but it was Clarkson pushing the tempo in transition, hitting shots from the perimeter, and looking like a first round pick.
"Rookie guard Jordan Clarkson (46th overall pick in the draft) is expected to sign before training camp. – Eric Pincus, L.A. Times"
Jordan Clarkson averaged 15.8 points per game, 5 rebounds per game, and 1.2 assists per game in just under 31 minutes at the Vegas Pro League. He shot 42.4% from the field, and nearly equaled that result behind the arc at 42.1%. He did a tremendous job breaking down defenders off-the-dribble, using crossovers and in-and-out combinations to create separation along the perimeter. This gave him open looks at the basket, where he converted in the paint frequently. His high-risk play led to 3.4 turnovers per game, and his 1.2 assists per game is a reflection of his aggressive mentality to the basket, instead of opening his court awareness for other teammates. More often than not, his aggressive play drew the defense into the painted area. More often than not, teammates were left open in the painted area or along the three-point line, but expected a pass that never came.
Byron Scott shared his thoughts about Jordan Clarkson.
"“I like what I saw of Jordan Clarkson,” Scott wrote. “[I] think he’s got great potential. I look at him now as just a guard, not a 1 or a 2.” – L.A. Times"
The tough part is over. Jordan Clarkson is able to attack and draw defenses towards him to free up teammates. The next step for Clarkson is to use that to his advantage, and make his teammates better. That means, setting up his teammates for open shots.
Hopefully Clarkson will sign for an extended 2nd round pick deal. Two years at the veteran minimum is the very least the Lakers can do.