6. Jordan Clarkson, RFA
2015-16 Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Age: 23 (6/7/1992)
Slash Line: .433/.347/.804
Season Averages: 32.3 MPG, 15.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.4 3PM
Jordan Clarkson appeared on the list of point guards who’d fit Jeff Hornacek’s system. He appears again on the list of shooting guards, which is a testament to the versatility that he’s capable of providing.
The jury is still out on whether or not Clarkson can thrive as the primary playmaker, but there’s very little question that he can make a positive impact from the 2-spot.
Clarkson is an explosive athlete who has no trouble whatsoever playing above the rim. He converted a respectable 34.5 percent of his catch-and-shoot attempts on 3-point field goals in 2015-16, and should continue to improve with the ideal coaching.
Jeff Hornacek and the New York Knicks are properly equipped to provide such structure.
Clarkson excels at getting out in transition and finishing at the rim. He can work without the ball and properly run the lane, take it to the hole himself, and is just as capable of a crafty finish around a defender as he is an explosive throw-down above the rim.
Clarkson is also a very solid ball-handler who can facilitate in a pinch and has the tools to develop into a plus defender. He should be closely monitored.
Next: Sharpshooting Wing