3 unique ways Brandon Clarke is uplifting the Memphis Grizzlies

3 unique ways Brandon Clarke is uplifting the Memphis Grizzlies: Ability to make decisive scoring and passing reads in the short roll

When you visualize the springy 6’8 Clarke as the dive man in a pick and roll set, your mind automatically flashes to the third-year big catching lobs and forcefully detonating with a finish at the cup.

And this has certainly been the case in many instances, as Clarke fits the mold of your A1-type of efficient rim running big. However, Memphis’ super-charged big has shown impressive strides as a decision-maker in the short roll.

Per The Basketball Action Dictionary, The short roll is defined as;

"A pick-and-roll in which the roller stops short (often near the free-throw line), receives a pass from the ballhandler, and makes plays for his teammates from there."

Effectively utilizing the short roll option requires an adept roll man to read the defense ahead and make the correct play. Historically, the vast majority of bigs don’t possess the processing ability to make such reads, and it’s why the league’s greatest decision-makers often come in the guard variety. It’s part of what makes Nikola Jokic such a ridiculous ballplayer.

While Clarke is nowhere near the level of playmaker of the likely two-time league MVP, he’s consistently demonstrated the wherewithal to make the correct basketball play when provided the opportunity as a short roller:

The 25-year-old is equipped with a feathery touch in the painted area, and he’s been able to hurt opposing defenses with his lethal floater in the lane. Per Synergy Sports, Clarke has converted on a ridiculous 8-of-11 runners (floaters) through eight playoff contests. For context, the Denver Nuggets lead all 29 other teams with the highest shooting percentage on runners with a conversion rate of 49.2%.

The threat of a deadly floater in his shot arsenal requires the defense to rotate to Clarke as he dribbles to the basket. This opens up a window for the nifty big to hit the open man in either the corner or dunkers spot. While Clarke in the short roll is by no means a match-winning option, it provides Taylor Jenkins’ offense with a useful release valve when defenses blitz the ball handler.