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Top 5 Players From 2014 NBA Draft

By Carter Johnson

Mar 4, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) in the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) in the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jordan Clarkson, Los Angeles Lakers

2014 Draft Selection: Round 2, No. 46 (WAS)

2015-16 Stats: 15.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 BPG, 1.1 SPG

Accolades: All-Rookie First Team (2015)

How often does a mid-second round pick rise through the ranks to not only become an immediate contributor for their team, but also earn a spot as one of their featured players?

That’s exactly what Jordan Clarkson has done for himself in just two years in the league.

Amid injury woes galore for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2014-15 season, Clarkson rose to the starting lineup as a player who could fill the responsibilities of either guard spot, facilitating in the pick and roll and scoring off drives and in transition.

Clarkson’s rookie performance in a little over half a season’s time earned him an All-Rookie First Team selection, making him only the fourth second round pick in the last 30 years to receive the honor.

With the arrival of D’Angelo Russell, Clarkson moved to the shooting guard spot full-time in 2015-16 and saw his scoring and scoring efficiency increase as a result. He was the team’s most reliable scoring option outside of the aging Kobe Bryant, posting 15.5 points a night on shooting splits of .433/.347/.804.

Strictly being a slasher in his rookie season, Clarkson has expanded his game to include a reliable midrange shot and the makings of a solid stroke from behind the arc as well. In addition, he’s shown potential to be the team’s best perimeter defender, averaging 1.1 steals per game last season.

He’s been above and beyond what a second-round pick is expected to be — so much so that the Lakers rewarded him with a four-year, $50 million contract to make him one of their building blocks for the future.

While Clarkson may not have the most potential of all the members of the Lakers’ core four, he’s the most solid player they have now and should be a major part of their success going forward.

Next: No. 1