NBA Preview: All-NBA Rookie Sleeper Team
Mar 5, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Jordan Clarkson (5) tries to work past Texas A&M Aggies guard Alex Caruso (21) during the second half at Mizzou Arena. The Missouri Tigers defeated the Texas A&M Aggies 57-56. Mandatory Credit: Dak Dillon-USA TODAY Sports
PG – Jordan Clarkson, Los Angeles Lakers
Selected: Round 2, Pick 46
Honorable Mention: Spencer Dinwiddie, Russ Smith
After unexpectedly dropping to the 2nd round, Jordan Clarkson played with a chip on his shoulder all throughout the Las Vegas Summer League, leading the Lakers in points (15.8) and rebounds (5.0), while also shooting above 40 percent from three-point range.
Equipped with great height (6-5) and a long wingspan (6-8), the former Missouri combo guard just has a knack for getting to the rim at will, and can also knock down the occasional jumpshot when given enough space (however that facet of his game is still a work in progress).
Although the Lakers currently have a bevy of guards all throughout the backcourt, Clarkson should receive a decent amount of minutes and could even be thrust into a more prominent role, based on the health of veterans Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash.
Keep in mind that Clarkson more than likely won’t post jaw dropping numbers in his first season, but he’s still bound to show flashes of his long term upside and at least register a decent statline.