NBA Draft: Zion Williamson still first in 2019 Redraft

After one season, with Zion Williamson barely playing due to injury and Ja Morant largely inefficient as a rookie, Brandon Clarke had a reasonable case to be the most productive member of the 2019 Draft class. While he lacks the upside to be a star, Clarke has continued to be an impactful player through his sophomore season.

Originally taken by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 21st pick, Clarke leapt out of the gate as a rookie, averaging an efficient 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, earning a regular rotation spot from the jump. Most naturally a power forward, Clarke can play small-ball 5 in spurts, and his instincts in help defense are really good.

The former Gonzaga big knows where to be on the court, quickly jumping the line for the defensive grading scale most young players have to go through. Part of that is his age; he will turn 25 before his third season begins. Even so, a lot of older prospects don’t pan out, and Clarke has done so immediately. His 9.1 win shares are second in this class, as are his BPM and Value Over Replacement Player (VORP).

The Minnesota Timberwolves need good defenders to slot around Karl-Anthony Towns, and they tried to take one originally with this pick. While Jarrett Culver hasn’t panned out, Clarke would be a great option in a frontcourt rotation with Towns, and the latter’s shooting would mitigate Clarke’s middling help in that area. This isn’t a swing for the fences pick, but it’s a reliable way to get on base.