Throughout the 2016 NBA Summer League, we'll be getting to know a few players on the Summer League roster. Today, we continue our journey with Coty Clarke.
What’s His Name?
Coty Clarke.
What Position Does He Play?
At 6’7, 225 lbs, Clarke primarily plays the small forward position. He has the ability to also play power forward in a small ball situation.
Where Is He From?
Clarke was born in Atioch, Tennessee and attended Pinson Valley High school in Pinson, Alabama.
He first attended Lawson State Community College, where he averaged 12.8 points and 12.1 rebounds per game over two seasons. That opened up the doors for him to transfer to Arkansas. In two years there, he averaged 8.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
He went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft and since, he’s played for: Hapoel Kazrin/Galil Elion (Israel), Main Red Claws (D-League), Boston Celtics and Capitanes de Arecibo.
He appeared in three games for the Celtics last season and scored six points.
Where Have You Heard Of Him Before?
If you’re a D-League fan, you probably know that Clarke made the All-NBA D-League Second Team last season while averaging 16.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from the 3-point line.
It was a big season for Clarke overseas as well. He helped lead Capitanes de Arecibo to the Baloncesto Superior Nacional Championship (Puerto Rico professional league).
How Is He Doing This Summer League?
He hasn’t missed a shot yet.
(Summer League doesn’t start for the Timberwolves until July 8, so this is a bit premature.)
Describe Him To Us:
Clarke showed the ability to rebound at a high rate throughout his career. But his biggest value might come in his ability to stretch the floor. He shot 40.6 percent from the 3-point line on 4.3 attempts per game.
That’s not a new skill for him. At Arkansas he shot better than 40 percent in both of his seasons there, but when you combine that with the rebounding, it becomes a unique skill set.
Clarke is 24, so he’s probably entering the prime of his basketball career.
Best Tweet:
Clarke pretty much just retweets everything that mentions him, and all of it is positive, so it works out.
His last personal tweet came on Nov. 9, 2015 when he tweeted this:
At a time like this in the world, a tweet like that is actually pretty refreshing. Good stuff from Coty.