Lakers ‘to-do’ List: Point Guards: Lin, Nash and Clarkson
By Harry Burden
Mar 13, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Jordan Clarkson (5) is called for a foul on Texas A&M Aggies guard Jamal Jones (23) during the second half in the second round of the SEC college basketball tournament at Georgia Dome. Missouri defeated Texas A&M 91-83 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Clarkson
Establish a position.
After etching encouraging numbers across the board in his final year of college, Jordan Clarkson’s slip to the second round of the draft took a number of spectators by surprise. However, after being given a lifeline by the Lakers, he looks set to prove his worth and shock the league. With the body and hands of a two-guard and the mobility of a player who’s more accustomed to the point, Clarkson is blessed with skills which will allow him to become a very versatile player in the future. With that being said, for now, finding an identity for himself could prove to be a lasting difficulty throughout the course of his rookie year. You would be forgiven for questioning why a player with Clarkson’s vision even finds himself at the one initially, but his size and frame make him a (potential) force on the defensive end of the court, whilst his offensive hustle gives him an extra spark to boot. Despite said potential, his scorer’s mentality would suggest that his natural home would be alongside a guard who’s more accustomed to distribution.
Ultimately, Jordan’s break may have to come through whichever spot currently has a vacancy. Whilst he’ll snatch at the opportunity to play regardless of his position, finding his home on court certainly remains a question going forward.
Watch highlights of the Summer League.
If the three most challenging obstacles for an NBA rookie really are face, form and fatigue, Clarkson can take a breath with the knowledge that his Summer League performances announced his name to the world. After such promising displays, it’s vital that Jordan spends time this offseason watching the tape, assessing his pros and cons and, (for me) most importantly, revelling in his success. Without confidence and self-belief, the path of professional sports can be a tricky trek to make. His performances in July serve as strong evidence of the product of persistence; they should be a constant source of reference for Clarkson in the run up to opening night.
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I hope you enjoyed this piece. Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below on the targets that the Laker’s Point Guards should be setting themselves and I’ll see you next week for my round-up of our shooting guards.