Can Brandon Clarke game translate at the NBA level? comparison?

[Tr1boy]

I think most of us heard of  this prospect by now.  If not to get a feel, check out some of the highlights below

The problem with Clarke is, for a pf/c.... his height at only about 6'8 and has Kelly Olynyk T-rex wingspan at 6'8 also.  But he plays with great enthusiasm,  possesses underrated skills and also has elite hops (quick jumper and 40 inch max vertical).  He was one of the top shot blockers in the country and also a strong rebounder.

The question is, when was the last time a guy with these physical limitations made a mark at the NBA level?   Anybody have a good comparison?

if Clarke is there at 14, draft or pass?


top 10 plays
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlKjoPTNFdY

vs USF 20 pts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_MLjnvBM6Q

Vs Duke
https://youtu.be/_HVKSnoYq6c?t=56

NCAA tourney highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea6cy0ZiLV0

[ETNCeltics]

Wouldn't touch him with the 14th pick. Or probably not the 20th.

Your question says it all....a big man with his height/wingspan limitations is a long shot.

[CFAN38]

Clarke is one of the most polarizing prospects I can remeber. Some draft experts have him as a top 5 player in this class and the analytics loves him.

I would be nervous to draft him at #14 but if the Cs take him I’ll be excited. Drafting him at 14 tells me that he shot well in workouts and that the Cs project him to at least develo into a reliable corner 3 shooter.

At his size without a solid projection on his jump shot I can’t see him going too 20. From what he showed in college he has the skill set of an elite defensive big, he measured as an average SF ( simulate size to R Hood or young Hayward, but tested out as an elite athlete.

[number_n9ne]

He reminds me of Kenneth Faried, but in a good way.

[Tr1boy]

He reminds me of Kenneth Faried, but in a good way.

actually this a pretty good comparison...good one

[CelticsElite]

Reminds me of big baby Davis

I think that's his ceiling

[wiley]

If he started hitting 3's, then how comparable to Aaron Gordon would he be?

[Tr1boy]

Reminds me of big baby Davis

I think that's his ceiling

Baby Davis could only dream he can jump like that

[CelticsElite]

Reminds me of big baby Davis

I think that's his ceiling

Baby Davis could only dream he can jump like that

lol

[Csfan1984]

His measurements are in line with a few small fowards. But his game is that of a power foward. Butler and Hood have very close height and wingspans ratios to him. But Clarke tested like Vincent Carter athleticism. Blake Griffin though taller is also a guy that had the tight wingspan ratio with great athletic test. He plays a lot like Griffin at the same age.

Look at it this way if he was 6'9 with a 7'1 wingspan and posted the same college stats and physical test numbers would we have a chance at a guy like that at 14? It's his undersized measurement that makes a guy with his skills and resume available late lottery.

[celticinorlando]

He would be a rim protector and defensive standout.

But that offense.....yikes

[Tr1boy]

His measurements are in line with a few small fowards. But his game is that of a power foward. Butler and Hood have very close height and wingspans ratios to him. But Clarke tested like Vincent Carter athleticism. Blake Griffin though taller is also a guy that had the tight wingspan ratio with great athletic test. He plays a lot like Griffin at the same age.

Look at it this way if he was 6'9 with a 7'1 wingspan and posted the same college stats and physical test numbers would we have a chance at a guy like that at 14? It's his undersized measurement that makes a guy with his skills and resume available late lottery.

good points

and also due to his age

Griffin is another interesting comparison.  But Clarke seems different, in that he moves "quicker" like a SF/SG

[Celtics4ever]

In the NCAA tourney, I saw some Rodman level potential.   The combine body metrics scare me, that he has T Rex Arms.

[philr13]

There certainly are examples of players with limited wingspans who've played well in the pros. Sabonis comes to mind, though he's taller and more of a true center.

I thought Clarke's motor was impressive in the tournament, but who isn't motivated in the tournament?

My take is that the Celtics have had more than enough opportunity to evaluate Clarke. If they take him at 14, then they must have seen something that they like.

[perks-a-beast]

strikes me as Tyrus Thomas with a better motor and work ethic. I really don’t know how effective he can be in today’s NBA, but hustle and grit seem to translate well - just look at Montrez Harrell.

There are a handful of prospects I like more with the 14th pick, but I’d take a gamble if he fell to 20 or 22.