Bottom Line
Brandon Clarke made the wait worth it for the Memphis Grizzlies and their passionate fans who awaited the rookie forward’s Summer League debut. At once at risk of missing a few days of the Vegas affair, a quick Sunday signing lessened such concerns, and Clarke’s emergence in the pre-game shootaround all but quashed it.
The Memphis coaching staff pulled their prized rookie early after only 17 minutes of action, seeing that there was no further work to be done. The 2019 draftee dominated from the opening tip, with 17 points, four rebounds, two blocks, and an abundance of silky smooth finishes and textbook defensive rotations contributing to what was a magnificent first outing for the Canada native.
Summer League overreactions are a staple of the NBA offseason, with the highs and lows and reactionary tendencies of onlookers fusing to a volatile degree. Some players are dubbed as future stars, others as busts, and other premature declarations and off-base opinions are expressed and shared worldwide on television and social media. One’s performance at Summer League isn’t entirely indicative of what a player is capable of, but if someone shows who they really are, you should believe it.
It’s not an overreaction to say that Brandon Clarke was incredible, nor is it an overreaction to say that he and Jaren Jackson Jr. will make for one of the best frontcourt duos in the NBA for years to come. Clarke was high on my own personal draft board leading up to the draft, and as I broke down in his pre-draft profile, there was just too much tantalizing skill and natural talent to ignore, regardless of his age.
He was a clear star in his Las Vegas debut, and he’s only getting started.
Brandon Clarke and Memphis were a match made in heaven — they have a really good thing going on. Credit to the front office. They’re building for a bright future, something that strays from the ancient days of the Grit N’ Grind Grizzlies.
The future is younger, more athletic, more versatile, more tantalizing, and Brandon Clarke is a big part of that.