Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from 2019 NBA Summer League

2. Clark shows signs of growth

Although Gary Clark had the pleasure of receiving valuable minutes across the NBA and G League level in his rookie year with the Houston Rockets, the former Cincinnati standout was relegated primarily to just one role on offense with the big squad.

Clark — who averaged 12 points and seven rebounds per game for Houston’s G League squad — was called upon to serve as a knockdown catch-and-shoot threat from beyond the arc during his time in the rotation following Carmelo Anthony‘s release last season.

However, Clark struggled to convert his looks at a consistent clip, shooting just 33.1 percent from the field and 29.7 percent from downtown.

"“My demeanor is … very laid back,” Clark recently said per Feigen when taking the time to describe his playing style on offense. “You don’t really see me try to go score. Usually, I’m just spotting up, try to shoot 3s… “For me, you watch my stats — shooting-wise, I’m very up-and-down.”"

Now, Clark has successfully shown that he is more than just a one-dimensional player on offense, by utilizing his ability to go downhill and drive inside to create instant offense.

Over the course of the Rockets’ five-game stretch at Summer League, Clark flashed a newfound ability to attack defenses aggressively.

In conjunction with a refined stroke in the process, as the 3-and-D wing prototype averaged 13.3 points per game on 37 percent shooting from the floor through four contests.

"“Gary’s been working hard,” Brase echoed directly to Feigen when asked about Clark’s most recent strides at the event. “He’s been in the gym. He kind of had some rough stretches in summer league, but he came out … and did a great job, played with a little bit of confidence, shooting the open shots, attacking the rim a little bit … if he can attack the closeout and get to the rim and finish, that would be a great thing for him to include in his arsenal.”"

Although one can only wonder if Clark’s aggressiveness might translate over to the real action next season, the 24-year-old forward who rose from the ranks of the undrafted to garnering a three-year deal showed tremendous signs of growth on a stage that young players are called to shine upon.

In a close encounter with the Kings that came all the way down to the wire, Clark would deliver upon his coaching staff’s wishes — by attacking a hard Hollis Thompson closeout — and placing the ball on the deck to drive inside for a smooth finger roll late to help the Rockets garner a 94-92 win against Sacramento on July 9.

"“I think I impressed a lot of people with [shooting range] this past season and in pre-draft,” Clark said to reporters following the win. “Now, my main focus, along with all the other things I’m working on, is to be consistent.”"