Toronto Raptors: 4 takes on Chris Boucher and Canadians in the NBA

No. 4: Brandon Clarke is the most underrated player in the West

Remember last year when the NBA community all got their socks knocked off because the Memphis Grizzlies had operated maybe the most seamless rebuild in league history and built a talented young core based around Ja Morant?  Well, that core is still there.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is still injured, but on his return, the Grizzlies will have 10% of the All-Rookies named since 2018.  Jackson Jr., Morant, Dillon Brooks (also a Canadian by the way), and, of course, Clarke.

Coming in as the 21st pick, averaging 12 points on 60% shooting, it was hard to imagine a better player to compliment the star duo of Jackson and Morant.

Brandon Clarke is one of the best young bigs in the game

Clarke is cut from the same cloth as Draymond Green, Shawn Marion, and Andrei Kirilenko. Big, mobile, defensive-minded wing/forwards who do a bit of everything on the court. While his 3-point shooting leaves much to be desired, Clarke checks every other box in the book.

Rebounding, athleticism, passing from the forward spot, energy, interior scoring, breaking, and most importantly, defence against bigger wings. Against the LeBron/Kawhi/Durant/Tatum types, having a man to match up at that spot is the difference between 27 points and 40.  Clarke is a human switchblade for the Grizzlies.

While from last season to this Brandon Clarke has more or less treaded water statistically, he’s still a really impactful player in only his sophomore season.  Don’t throw him a parade or anything, but recognize his blooming abilities for what they are. Special.