Another potentially lottery pick has entered the 2019 NBA draft, as Gonzaga announced today in a press release that junior forward Brandon Clarke is submitting his name into the draft pool. While Clarke can hire an agent and retain his college eligibility before making a final decision on May 29, it would be a surprise if he withdraws.
After transferring from San Jose State, Clarke averaged 16.9 PPG, 8.6 RPG, and 3.1 BPG with a .687 FG% in 37 games with the Zags in 2018/19. Describing the youngster as a “pogo-stick” shot blocker and finisher, Jonathan Givony of ESPN.com has him ranked 12th overall on his big board.
In ESPN’s most recent mock draft, Givony has Clarke coming off the board at No. 14 to the Celtics, observing that the forward’s ability to protect the rim and to contribute right away could make him a good fit for Boston.
In other draft news, after announcing last week that he’d test the waters, Michigan’s Charles Matthews has confirmed that he’ll remain in this year’s draft (Twitter link). He’s the No. 69 prospect in Givony’s top 100.
No good reports out there, so…
Clarke can both block shots and hedge/switch to high degrees. Good agility, passing, alertness, willingness to fight. He can hold his own versus size in the paint, with a speed advantage, as well as versus quickness in the wings, with a strength advantage. But, not just a body. Should get off to a good NBA start with versatility and enjoyment of the underdog role.
He may not be comfortable on the perimeter his first year at least. Should be a versatile role player and warhorse minutes-eater in the NBA… but he may lack a go-to offense except for transitions & putbacks.
Celtics should do fine with their middling picks. It’s the dropoff after #2 that dogs this draft.
I like the kid. But he reminds me of Josh Smith ……..
I really don’t think it’s that bad of a draft. I don’t think there will be as many high level talents as last year or guys with all-NBA potential (after 2) but it’s full of good NBA starters and role players. Maybe even an all-star or two with guys like Bol, Hunter, Culver, Reddish and even B Clarke here.