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Ranking the NBA’s 10 most underrated players in 2022-23

By Holden Walter-Warner

Apr 30, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Utah Jazz guard Joe Ingles (2) drives on Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig (12) in the first half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Utah Jazz guard Joe Ingles (2) drives on Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig (12) in the first half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies
Brandon Clarke, NBA (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

8. F Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies

Brandon Clarke has been a key cog off the bench for the Memphis Grizzlies for more than three years. As his rookie contract comes to a close, he might finally get the respect he serves via a handsome payday in free agency.

Memphis selected the Gonzaga stalwart and Canada native with a first-round pick in 2019. He only started four games as a rookie, but he did enough to make the All-Rookie First Team, averaging 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

Clarke hasn’t been able to reach the same heights as he did as a rookie, but he’s never fallen off, either. For each of his first three seasons, the big man has averaged at least 10 points and five rebounds per game and crossed the one-block-per-game threshold last year.

His counting stats don’t look as good this season. He is averaging 8.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, both of which would be the worst of Clarke’s career. He’s also fouling more than usual and turning the ball over more than usual.

Look past the basics, though. Clarke has a solid field goal percentage, which extends out to his effective field goal percentage and his true field goal percentage. His block percentage is top ten in the league and his defensive box plus/minus is at a career-best mark.

The market Clarke will command as a free agent is unclear. He’s never held a primary starting role, after all, and he’s already 26 years old. But he has all the potential to be a Sixth Man of the Year candidate – maybe that will land him some respect.