The Los Angeles Lakers continue to appear to have made a brilliant move by purchasing the Washington Wizards 46th pick in last year’s NBA draft. Jordan Clarkson has improved with every passing game this season and has earned his first individual accolade from the league for his efforts in the month of March.
According to press release sent out by the Lakers, Clarkson has earned Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors. He is the first player in franchise history to receive the award:
EL SEGUNDO – Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson has been named Kia NBA Western Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in March, it was announced today, becoming the first ever Laker to be honored with the award (first presented in 1981-82).
In 16 games in March, Clarkson averaged a team-leading 15.8 points on 45.2% shooting, in addition to 5.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds. The 46th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft (acquired from Washington) also scored the winning points in overtime in the final second of two games with a layup March 30 at Philadelphia, and the clinching free throws in a tied game March 25 at Minnesota.
In the March 30 contest, Clarkson joined Stephen Curry, John Wall, and Russell Westbrook as the only players in the NBA this season to record a game of at least 26 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, and three steals.
On the road in Oklahoma City March 24, Clarkson set career-highs with 30 points and three blocks, becoming the first Laker rookie since Eddie Jones (2/4/95) to score 30 points in a game.
Since being named a starter 31 games ago, the 22-year-old is averaging a team-leading 15.0 points per game to go with 4.7 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.87 steals. On the year, Clarkson ranks 3rd among rookies in points per game (10.9), field goal percentage (.447), free throw percentage (.828), 5th in assists per game (3.1), and 13th in rebounds per game (3.1).