2023 NBA Draft Prospect Highlights: Jaylen Clark
Overview
Although Jaylen Clark’s stellar 2022-23 season with the Bruins was spoiled by an Achilles injury in the final game of the regular season, his junior campaign was a breakout performance overall. Clark earned Naismith Defensive Player of the Year honors in addition to his second consecutive Pac-12 All-Defensive Team nod. Clark averaged 13.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.6 steals per game while shooting 48.1% from the field and 32.9% from deep. His defensive acumen helped guide UCLA to the second-best adjusted defensive efficiency in the country. Despite getting surgery in early March, Clark opted to keep his name in the NBA draft pool.
Analysis
Clark measured 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan at the NBA Combine. His athleticism, technique, and turnover-forcing skills on defense are rare. Clark is strong with impressive agility. He also graded as one of the better pick-and-roll ballhandlers in the country this season. Clark is a righty who is comfortable finishing everywhere around the basket. He shot 67.4% at the rim in 2022-23, fueled by good off-ball activity and a handle that allows him to knife inside fluidly.
Projection
Clark was on track to potentially be a top-40 selection before suffering his Achilles injury. His skills as a smothering individual and team defender could still result in his name being called on draft night. Clark is switchable across all guards and some small forwards, with a knack for turning defense into offense. That versatility should translate to NBA competition. After making only six starts and hitting under 25% of his total 3-point attempts in his first two seasons at UCLA, Clark’s 32.9% clip from deep in 2022-23 bodes well for continued growth.
— Profile by RotoWire