NBA Rookie Ladder: Ja Morant continues to impress for Memphis Grizzlies

6. Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies

12.3 PPG, 6.2 REB, 1.0 AST

Sure the buzz isn’t around Brandon Clarke in Memphis by any means, but hardcore basketball fans know his name and what he’s already bringing to the table for the Grizzlies.

Clarke was second across NCAA basketball last year in PER only to Zion Williamson and guess what? That’s actually translated over to the NBA level, as his 22.5 PER leads all rookies.

Surprise, surprise. Or maybe it’s not a shock at all?

Everyone knows how Clarke gets the majority of his buckets. He’s a dunker at heart with enough touch around the basket on floaters and hooks to keep defenses honest and make them prepare for something other than the occasional lob.

But he’s already showing even more to his game than just converting easy looks around the basket. Clarke is stretching his jump shot with efficiency out to 16 feet and beyond and his clean mechanics and composure taking those looks speaks to the fact that he isn’t done improving his outside shooting.

Effective from the free throw line and virtually everywhere on the floor, Clarke’s offensive arsenal complements his defensive tenacity and motor very nicely. He may not be an All-Star level first option, but who cares?

At this rate, I can’t even fully rule him out as an All-Star candidate one day. A diverse skills package and the effort behind it, Clarke boasts an impressive array of talent on both ends of the floor.

As long as he remains on an upward trajectory, it’s hard not to envision him next to Jaren Jackson Jr. in the starting lineup at some point this season.