2. Less Jordan Clarkson
Never has a +8 reading been more misleading than Clarkson’s in Game 1.
In 17 minutes of court time, Clarkson shot 2-of-9 from the field in positing four points and three rebounds. Put simply, Clarkson didn’t see a shot he didn’t like during his time on the floor, missing from all areas of the floor, including going 0-for-3 from long range.
Does anyone remember Jordan Clarkson ever making a pass?
— Jason Lloyd (@ByJasonLloyd) June 1, 2018
Ever?
I'll wait.
Incredibly, Clarkson managed to launch nine goal attempts despite touching the ball in the frontcourt on just 12 occasions for the game. This has been a recurring theme for the 25-year-old over the course of the postseason, with the following numbers applying since the beginning of the Cavaliers’ conference finals battle with the Boston Celtics:
- Minutes: 94
- Frontcourt touches: 64
- Field goal attempts: 52
- Assists: 0
Jordan Clarkson's PER this postseason is 3.5 (lowest for players with 250+ minutes), and he has minus-0.6 Win Shares (lowest, period.) He's arguably having the worst postseason by any player ever.
— Machine Pun Kelly 🇺🇦 (@KellyScaletta) June 1, 2018
Over the course of the 2018 NBA Playoffs, the Cavaliers have now posted a 9-2 record when Clarkson has played 15 minutes or less. Following his 17 minutes in Game 1, the Cavaliers are now 3-5 when he plays at least 16 minutes.
I really thought it was going to be Game 1. But surely Game 2 is the game that Rodney Hood emerges from purgatory. Right? Don’t the Cavs, in the wake of J.R. Smith’s and Jordan Clarkson’s travails, have to give Hood another look?
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 1, 2018
Brought in midseason during the Cavaliers’ mass upheaval, Clarkson was seen as a key piece with his youth and athleticism seen as key ingredients for an aging roster. However, his indifferent play, particularly in the postseason, means head coach Tyronn Lue and his staff should consider alternate options before the series gets out of reach.
Either Rodney Hood, also brought in midseason, or veteran Jose Calderon, should receive serious consideration for a role in the rotation following Clarkson’s considerable struggles.