Scouting Report: Jordan Clarkson, PG, Missouri
Jordan Clarkson has spent most of the past four years below the radar. He played well for two seasons at Tulsa before ultimately transferring to Missouri, likely looking to prove he could replicate that success in a more competitive environment. Still, he remained off most first-round boards until the middle of June, and it seems that teams are starting to believe in Clarkson now that they have seen him up close. He's still on the first-round bubble but has earned some nice sleeper buzz for when top crop of point guards is taken.
Background
| Position | DX Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/o Shoes | Weight (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG | 47 | 34 | 6' 3.25" | 186 |
| Wing | Vert (in.) | Standing Reach | Hand Length (in.) | Agility (sec.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6' 8" | 38.5 | 8' 2" | 8.25 | 10.76 |
| NCAA Stats | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 17.5 | 3.8 | 3.4 | 44.7% | 28.1% |
| 2011-12 | 16.5 | 3.9 | 2.5 | 43.5% | 37.4% |
| 2010-11 | 11.5 | 2.1 | 1.9 | 43.3% | 30.3% |
Scouting Report
Strengths: Despite modest shooting percentages, Clarkson was among college basketball's best pick-and-roll operators, getting to the rim well and finishing thanks to an attractive combination of size and handle. As a big point guard who measured well athletically, the potential to be a solid defender is there, and it's conceivable he could eventually guard multiple positions thanks to his length.
Weaknesses: While he has flashed a 3-point shot in the past, his 2013-14 season was disappointing in that regard, especially late in the year. Some of that may be due to having to take more threes for Missouri than would be ideal, but it's clear his jumper needs some work. Beyond that, the only tangible concern is if teams don't think he'll stick at the one, which would require him to bulk up some.
Highlight Reel
What to Expect on Draft Day
Clarkson wasn't expected to be a first-round pick, so there is less information available on who may be high on him. With that said, ESPN's Chad Ford has him penciled as high as No. 23 - though that's largely contingent on how the earlier picks in the draft play out, as with most picks this late. Beyond that, he could still conceivably fall out of the first round if teams picking late don't have the need for a big backup guard.