Cleveland Cavaliers: The advanced numbers that improve the team
By Ryan Piers
Jordan Clarkson
The Cavs’ new guard might be a poor man’s Thomas. Like Thomas, he is a slick scorer that plays with electrifying pace. Both players were drafted inexcusably late, with Clarkson going 46th in the 2014 NBA Draft and Thomas being famously drafted 60th in 2011.
As overachievers, both built their reputation as bench forces before Thomas blossomed as an All-Star in Boston. Even though the former Cav possesses a higher pedigree, his replacement excels in ways more valuable to Cleveland.
While Thomas is an elite scorer, he hemorrhaged offensive positions with turnovers. The same goes for Derrick Rose. These were valuable opportunities costing Cleveland possessions.
Clarkson is more reliable. Last year, he recorded 83 bad passes and 45 lost balls. Thomas lost the ball 98 times last season with 88 bad passes, according to Basketball-Reference. Yes, Thomas is more skilled, but Clarkson is more reliable, maybe steadier.
Altman knew this when he snagged Clarkson while dealing Thomas. He didn’t look at points per game or highlight reels. He realized the Cavs needed reliability in the backcourt and booked Clarkson.
In his first game with the Cavaliers, Clarkson peppered Boston with an array of mid-range jumpers and smooth moves to the rim. The guard played even-keeled, only taking open looks.
In 47 minutes over two games with Cleveland, Clarkson only has one turnover. Cleveland has scoring options. What it needs is a steady point guard, and that’s exactly what Clarkson provides.