Topic: We wonder what is Jordan Clarkson’s NBA ceiling — Sixth Man, Starter, All-Star, or better?
Context: The Los Angeles Lakers have an extremely promising young core consisting of Julius Randle, D’Angelo Russell, and Jordan Clarkson. Only one of those three, however, have proven that they can play at an NBA level on a consistent basis. That player would be Clarkson, who was named All-Rookie First Team after averaging 11.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
As a second round pick, not much was expected of Clarkson and his ability to build on that rookie year has been questioned, but Clarkson is looking to put that to rest.
Clarkson was the best player on the Lakers Summer League team, averaging 16.8 points and looking like a player who was levels above the rest of the Summer League players. Clarkson hasn’t stopped since as videos recently surfaced of him looking very good in workouts. He is also supposed to be meeting with Steve Nash this off-season as well as he continues his quest of proving his rookie season was no fluke.
For all intents and purposes, Clarkson looks poised for a breakout second season, but one has to wonder just how good Jordan Clarkson will eventually become. He surely has the work ethic to reach his full potential, but what exactly will that entail?
— What will Jordan Clarkson make this season? Find out here! —
Verdict: We went to Twitter to ask the loyal Lakers Nation followers what they believe is Jordan Clarkson’s ceiling. These are some of the responses:
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation #LNDebate all-star. With the flashes we've seen, his Athleticism and drive. I think think he can do it.
— Walter (@WaltersNext) August 22, 2015
@TheeCoreyH #LNDebate all star…and not just one time…this kid is gonna be great #TheFuture
— Pablo Huidobro (@Huidobro_Pablo) August 22, 2015
@TheeCoreyH Starter. All-star would be tough w/the competition in the West. #LNDebate
— Allene Kim (@AKim_inLF) August 22, 2015
Clarkson can be a quality starter. He has the offensive game to be a great 6th man but the athleticism/vision to compete #LNdebate
— dan ho (@danpho97) August 22, 2015
I honestly believe @JClark5on has a very high ceiling. Potential top 7 or 8 PG in the league. #LNDebate
— Will (@_williamjesse) August 22, 2015
Clarkson's work ethic will make him an All-Star caliber player, but he won't make an All-Star team. He'll be a Conley-like player. #LNDebate
— Squilliam Fancyson (@RadRivas) August 22, 2015
The fans have spoken and most of the Lakers Nation followers seem to believe that Clarkson will be either an All-Star player or close to it. Personally, I would lean towards those who see Clarkson as an All-Star caliber player who probably won’t make an actual All-Star team.
A couple of fans brought up the name of now-Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis and that is a perfect description of how Clarkson could wind up. The guard position is extremely loaded in the West as Stephen Curry, James Harden, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Klay Thompson, and Damian Lillard are all perennial All-Stars.
Players like Mike Conley, Eric Bledsoe, and Ty Lawson are barely even able to sniff All-Star consideration so Clarkson cracking that group would be an accomplishment in itself. Clarkson will surely put in the work necessary to get to that level, but actually getting the All-Star selection might be a little too much to ask.
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