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Open Thread: Suns Vegas Summer League, Game 5

Seth_twitter_pic_4_tiny by Seth Pollack on in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage

After four games, it's pretty clear that this isn't a very good Summer League team. That's ok, the point isn't winning.

But winning is always better than losing, so there's that. And there's Earl Clark, whose performance in Vegas so far resembles washed-up show girl as opposed to young, hot rising star. Shame that, but it doesn't mean the end of Earl. Until this kid gets consistent minutes on an NBA floor, there's no way to judge him. That said, it would have been nice if he did well and so far he's not done well (in case that point wasn't clear yet).

I am headed back to Phoenix and will likely be on the road for this game, so no more insightful interviews and no more of me wanting to claw my eyes out after watching seven hours of bad basketball.

Suns face the Summer Warriors today, who feature Reggie Williams -- who's been very good -- along with Brandan Wright -- who in theory is a perfect guy for Earl to test himself against.

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Read More: Earl Clark (F - ORL), Phoenix Suns

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Let's hope Earl can play well in at least 2 out of the 4 games

Would sure be nice to see him go off for like 25 pts, 11 rebounds, 4 assists.

Bloggin' 'bout AZ sports ... SB Nation Arizona

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by itkonlyyou186 on Jul 19, 2010 8:09 AM MDT up reply actions  

I've heard a lot about Matt Janning get signed into the NBA...

Is there any sort of chance that the Suns would sign him?

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 3:45 PM MDT reply actions  

Were just too deep right now. He would see no playing time.

Don't trade Dudley!

by Beavis 25 on Jul 15, 2010 3:47 PM MDT up reply actions  

Ah well..

I wonder what will happen with him..

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 3:49 PM MDT up reply actions  

Earl has one more chance

to finally have a good game! He needs to just let it happen and stop trying to force everything. He looks so our of sync and even frantic at times…which is hard to imagine for such an emotionless persona.

Although the summer Suns team has been mostly disappointing, there are quite a few bright spots as well. I’ll probably post my final grades for all of the players who matter once this game is over.

by 7footer on Jul 15, 2010 3:47 PM MDT reply actions  

Hey you know what's an awesome idea?

Trading Jared Dudley to Cleveland for a 2nd round pick and the rights to Moondog

RIP Seasons of Discontent

by Scott Howard on Jul 15, 2010 3:49 PM MDT reply actions  

Good God...

If we traded Jared Dudley I would cry harder than I did when Raja and Boris were traded.. Which is ironic because we got Jared out of that trade..

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 3:51 PM MDT up reply actions  

But a second round pick!

And MoonDog!

RIP Seasons of Discontent

by Scott Howard on Jul 15, 2010 3:52 PM MDT up reply actions  

Hahaha!

MoonDog is pretty cute!! Hmm.. The picture does sway my opinion a little bit.. :D

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 3:56 PM MDT up reply actions  

Figured it would.

Look…he’s rollerskating. Have you seen Dudz rollerskate?

Didn’t think so.

RIP Seasons of Discontent

by Scott Howard on Jul 15, 2010 3:57 PM MDT up reply actions  

Wow

You’re righ!t. I have never seen him rollerskate! Although I think it would be rather enjoyable to watch… Perhaps he should do a JMZ Special of himself rollerskating with Amar’e, since they’re hanging out all summer..

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 3:59 PM MDT up reply actions  

You're a sick bitch, Scott.

I mean that in the nicest way…

Auntie Em: Hate you, hate Kansas, taking the dog.
Dorothy

by haremoor on Jul 15, 2010 4:14 PM MDT up reply actions  

You should be our GM with ideas like that.

rgreyslak@gmail.com ____ twitter @rgreyslak

by RGreyslak on Jul 15, 2010 3:54 PM MDT up reply actions  

You've yet to hear my idea about trading J-Rich.

Texans recieve: Jason Richardson
Suns recieve: Bernard Pollard and a 4th round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Shores up the Suns problem at safety.

RIP Seasons of Discontent

by Scott Howard on Jul 15, 2010 3:56 PM MDT up reply actions  

So Tim Duncan will be a free agent next summer.

Don't trade Dudley!

by Beavis 25 on Jul 15, 2010 4:00 PM MDT reply actions  

He sure will.

And LeBron James was a free agent this summer

RIP Seasons of Discontent

by Scott Howard on Jul 15, 2010 4:01 PM MDT up reply actions  

Think about it.

Don't trade Dudley!

by Beavis 25 on Jul 15, 2010 4:01 PM MDT up reply actions  

It’s still fun to think about it though, huh?

Don't trade Dudley!

by Beavis 25 on Jul 15, 2010 4:03 PM MDT up reply actions  

That would be an interesting sight to behold..

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:03 PM MDT up reply actions  

Just think about this- Suns, Tim Duncan, Medical Staff, rejuvenation, Championship, Irony.

Don't trade Dudley!

by Beavis 25 on Jul 15, 2010 4:04 PM MDT up reply actions  

I try not to think about things that have zero basis in reality.

Except for trading Jared Dudley for team mascots.

RIP Seasons of Discontent

by Scott Howard on Jul 15, 2010 4:05 PM MDT up reply actions  

Stop torturing me. Jared Dudley ain’t going nowhere.

Don't trade Dudley!

by Beavis 25 on Jul 15, 2010 4:06 PM MDT up reply actions  

What if the Capitals offer Alex Ovechkin?

You have to consider that.

RIP Seasons of Discontent

by Scott Howard on Jul 15, 2010 4:07 PM MDT up reply actions  

Do you think we could get Bango? Hah..

But in reality, there isn’t a chance of losing Jared is there?

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:07 PM MDT up reply actions  

There is, but I can’t face that reality.

Don't trade Dudley!

by Beavis 25 on Jul 15, 2010 4:08 PM MDT up reply actions  

8(

That is my shocked/sad face! That can’t happen! It just can’t!!

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:10 PM MDT up reply actions  

 Believe me, I Know.

Don't trade Dudley!

by Beavis 25 on Jul 15, 2010 4:10 PM MDT up reply actions  

Im sorry, I just can't wrap my head around this.

There is a chance we would lose Jared this year? Before this October?! Robert Sarver would be insane to do that!

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:11 PM MDT up reply actions  

There is a small chance. Seth said so.

I feel your pain. I don’t want to think about it anymore.

Don't trade Dudley!

by Beavis 25 on Jul 15, 2010 4:13 PM MDT up reply actions  

Hmm..

He’s not as cute as MoonDog..

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:15 PM MDT up reply actions  

What's Darko look like?

Just kidding, lol. To be honest, I don’t know anything about him..

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:17 PM MDT up reply actions  

All you need to know:

One of the biggest busts in NBA history.

Bloggin' 'bout AZ sports ... SB Nation Arizona

by Justin Burning on Jul 15, 2010 4:21 PM MDT up reply actions  

Ah..

I see…

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:24 PM MDT up reply actions  

but can that wolf defend or play the point?

I figure if he could, he’d be getting court time.

by mcspazzerton on Jul 16, 2010 9:52 AM MDT up reply actions  

Really?

Wow..

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:01 PM MDT up reply actions  

Earl!!

Keep it up!

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:02 PM MDT reply actions  

Gani is looking great so far!

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:07 PM MDT reply actions  

I just wish he would stop taking so many jumpshots!!

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:29 PM MDT up reply actions  

Seriously ... the Suns need to say:

“Do not take a jumpshot. Either drive to the basket or ass. If you shoot a jumper, I’m pulling you out of the game at the next break.”

Bloggin' 'bout AZ sports ... SB Nation Arizona

by Justin Burning on Jul 15, 2010 4:31 PM MDT up reply actions  

I have posted this here

before and now you are seeing that Earl Clark will not play long in the NBA!

Happy Days are here again! Wildcat's have #1 recruiting class again!

by oldcat70 on Jul 15, 2010 4:31 PM MDT reply actions  

Well it is the summer, rendering your comment otherwise inane; if clark was not a lottery pick

then the truth of your statement would be easier to accept, but Earl Clark has a high ceiling that will have him signed to a team in the NBA every season solely b/c he has potential. All it takes if for someone to believe in your talents that will allow you to remain in the NBA. You don’t have to look much farther than jarron collins, greg ostertag, or darko millicic, to see this.

F*ck you Rob Sarver!

by Bkj on Jul 15, 2010 4:44 PM MDT up reply actions  

apart from his shot selection, Earl hasn't been bad this game

rebounded ok.. made some nice defensive plays.. ran the floor, and was active. there were a couple of times, where he was in the wrong spot on the floor, but otherwise he was fine.

Now, if he could actually make a jumpshot, you’d have him take those shots everytime..

"True glory consists of doing what deserves to be written, and writing what deserves to be read".

by Pliny the Elder on Jul 15, 2010 4:51 PM MDT up reply actions  

GANI LAWAL!

Now if he could just get better at Free Throw Shooting..

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:31 PM MDT reply actions  

Oh my God..

Earl. Stop. Just stop.

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:35 PM MDT reply actions  

Lawal, Reynolds, Janning… Oh, if we just weren’t so deep as it is.

Don't trade Dudley!

by Beavis 25 on Jul 15, 2010 4:37 PM MDT reply actions  

FWIW

I believe there’s an extremely good chance Lawal makes the roster.

Bloggin' 'bout AZ sports ... SB Nation Arizona

by Justin Burning on Jul 15, 2010 4:38 PM MDT up reply actions  

I think he could even make the rotation getting Lou minutes if we just weren’t so deep as it is.

Don't trade Dudley!

by Beavis 25 on Jul 15, 2010 4:40 PM MDT up reply actions  

Im loving Matt Janning..

And Gani is looking awesome today.

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:39 PM MDT up reply actions  

that Janning kid… he’s something.

"They were f*ckin great guys, this was a f*ckin asshole of a day."
-Macgruber

by Larfleeze on Jul 15, 2010 4:39 PM MDT up reply actions  

T-Griff!!!!

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:40 PM MDT reply actions  

I think we keep Lawal and Reynolds. Janning and Zabian get invited by another team where they make the rotation.

Lawal and Reynolds spend time in the D-league this year since were so deep and than they make the rotation next year when Grant retires and J-Rich leaves.

Don't trade Dudley!

by Beavis 25 on Jul 15, 2010 4:43 PM MDT reply actions  

on the basis of this game..

I’d rather have janning over reynolds.. basically brought the team back from 8 down..

"True glory consists of doing what deserves to be written, and writing what deserves to be read".

by Pliny the Elder on Jul 15, 2010 4:45 PM MDT up reply actions  

Woo-Hoo!!!

TAYLOR!!! lol

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:43 PM MDT reply actions  

Wow Janning is good.

by Dropkick434 on Jul 15, 2010 4:43 PM MDT reply actions  

Would much rather have him on the roster than Griffin.

Same for….most everyone on the summer league team.

RIP Seasons of Discontent

by Scott Howard on Jul 15, 2010 4:44 PM MDT up reply actions  

That would be better..

But I will always stand by Taylor! Im predicting a double-double for him today! :)

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 4:45 PM MDT up reply actions  

Any chance we go with 15 players to have more trade bait?

Auntie Em: Hate you, hate Kansas, taking the dog.
Dorothy

by haremoor on Jul 15, 2010 4:46 PM MDT reply actions  

as long as we're not over the lux tax (which we won't be)

I don’t see why not.

Basically, its our current 10 rotation guys + one min-vet big + 3 youngies (Clark/Lawal/Reynolds) ?

Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun

by Alex Laugan on Jul 15, 2010 4:57 PM MDT up reply actions  

Really liking Gani.. kinda crazy that he is the only true PF on the team, assuming he makes the team, which I hope he does. He bangs down low on both ends of the floor and actually fights for rebounds..

With the amount of experience on the Suns roster, I think Gani can be a starter at hte 4 without hurting the team if they decide they want a conventional lineup.

by DUKE007 on Jul 15, 2010 4:49 PM MDT reply actions  

He will be the 11th man on our team. If someone goes down he will get their minutes. Other than that he will only play garbage duty and in the D-league. He should make the rotation the following year though.

Don't trade Dudley!

by Beavis 25 on Jul 15, 2010 4:53 PM MDT up reply actions  

Gani Lawal can be the new Amare Stoudemire

i believe that. yes i do.

Must start LB! Oh wait...

by yanyanman2 on Jul 15, 2010 4:56 PM MDT reply actions  

smh

Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.

by Wichita SunSteeler on Jul 15, 2010 4:56 PM MDT up reply actions  

Clark, Gani, Janning.

"They were f*ckin great guys, this was a f*ckin asshole of a day."
-Macgruber

by Larfleeze on Jul 15, 2010 4:57 PM MDT reply actions  

like Reynolds too, and Dowdell

by DUKE007 on Jul 15, 2010 4:57 PM MDT reply actions  

just starting watching

nice board clark

Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.

by Wichita SunSteeler on Jul 15, 2010 5:00 PM MDT reply actions  

Earl is actually doing a decent job on the boards.

by DUKE007 on Jul 15, 2010 5:01 PM MDT reply actions  

Thanks for watching! Haha

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 5:03 PM MDT up reply actions  

Pruitt is a big boy

Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.

by Wichita SunSteeler on Jul 15, 2010 5:07 PM MDT reply actions  

Doesnt he look like Aaron Brooks.

Slumdog Millionaire without the million.

by atkammoh on Jul 15, 2010 5:08 PM MDT up reply actions  

Hi Stan…. good times.

"They were f*ckin great guys, this was a f*ckin asshole of a day."
-Macgruber

by Larfleeze on Jul 15, 2010 5:11 PM MDT up reply actions  

this team is baaaaaaad defensively

Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.

by Wichita SunSteeler on Jul 15, 2010 5:14 PM MDT reply actions  

What is the ETA of Dwayne Collins?

can’t wait to see him play.

"They were f*ckin great guys, this was a f*ckin asshole of a day."
-Macgruber

by Larfleeze on Jul 15, 2010 5:15 PM MDT reply actions  

He will certainly

be ready by camp…already getting some practice in w/ team. No worries. We’ll see him in Oct.

Raising Arizona Sports at SB Nation Arizona twitter: @sethpo

by Seth Pollack on Jul 15, 2010 5:19 PM MDT up reply actions  

i hate these commentators

Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.

by Wichita SunSteeler on Jul 15, 2010 5:18 PM MDT reply actions  

i concur...

after hearing them salivate over John Wall.

"They were f*ckin great guys, this was a f*ckin asshole of a day."
-Macgruber

by Larfleeze on Jul 15, 2010 5:20 PM MDT up reply actions  

about to for the first time, Wizards are next.

"They were f*ckin great guys, this was a f*ckin asshole of a day."
-Macgruber

by Larfleeze on Jul 15, 2010 5:22 PM MDT up reply actions  

same here

the way he called him “special” tho was creepy

Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.

by Wichita SunSteeler on Jul 15, 2010 5:22 PM MDT up reply actions  

To be fair

I sat right behind them for a few days…they are calling like 3 or 4 games in a row day after day which is tough. No time to properly prepare. I think they are doing well

Raising Arizona Sports at SB Nation Arizona twitter: @sethpo

by Seth Pollack on Jul 15, 2010 5:20 PM MDT up reply actions  

No summer league playoffs for the Suns

Last Suns game until that outdoors preseason abortion.

RIP Seasons of Discontent

by Scott Howard on Jul 15, 2010 5:24 PM MDT reply actions  

For a Rookie in summer league, Lawal is lookin DAMN Good!

He better get some minutes somehow this yr

rgreyslak@gmail.com ____ twitter @rgreyslak

by RGreyslak on Jul 15, 2010 5:26 PM MDT reply actions  

Im starting to not get all of the reynolds talk watching him play

i haven’t watched the whole game but he just doesnt do the things good point guard do , he’s not setting everyone up and getting the best out of everyone. perhaps though i haven’t seen enough also its summer leauge and they arent that familiar with eachother. either its that or im spoiled watching nash

Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.

by Wichita SunSteeler on Jul 15, 2010 5:32 PM MDT reply actions  

it's summer league.. what do you expect..

first game I watched.. here are my thoughts:

  1. Clark is going to be fine.. apart from his shot selection, he played decently up until the 4th. I liked his activity and positioning, and the fact that he tried to play some defense on occasion.. As for his shooting… if he were slightly a better offensive player, you’d want him to take those shots, and I think it’s good, in some respects, that he’s not afraid to shoot those more difficult shots. I liked the long two he made, which shows a little range. It will all click for him, at some point.
  2. Reynolds is really raw.. but he’s exactly the kind of player who should understudy Nash for a couple of years.
  3. Dowdell can shoot a little, but otherwise is a solid D-League player
  4. Lawal is small… needs to put on 10 pounds.
  5. Janning is small.. needs to put on 10 pounds…. like this kid, can do a little of everything.. but not sure if what he did today translates to the majors. The words undersized Mike Dunleavy keep ringing in my ears
  6. T-Griff… man… you played great for about 5 mins…
  7. Pruitt should be a lot better than he is. That free-throw action, though, is a thing of wonder.

"True glory consists of doing what deserves to be written, and writing what deserves to be read".

by Pliny the Elder on Jul 15, 2010 6:07 PM MDT up reply actions  

nice unconventional and 1 lol

Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.

by Wichita SunSteeler on Jul 15, 2010 5:36 PM MDT reply actions  

Training camp hopefully wakes up Earl. He does look like he worked on his body, just needs to work on his game some more.

Slumdog Millionaire without the million.

by atkammoh on Jul 15, 2010 5:39 PM MDT reply actions  

Wow...

We won one game.. Good thing it’s only summer league.. I just wish Earl had performed better.

"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."

by Dragic_is_Magic on Jul 15, 2010 5:39 PM MDT reply actions  

I like that reggie williams kid

Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.

by Wichita SunSteeler on Jul 15, 2010 5:40 PM MDT reply actions  

Looks like Zabian

wasn’t ready to concede to Scottie…good to see

Anyone who watched this game care to do a recap?

I am going to try and take rest of the day off

Raising Arizona Sports at SB Nation Arizona twitter: @sethpo

by Seth Pollack on Jul 15, 2010 5:46 PM MDT reply actions  

WTF!??!?! we picked up damaged goods??!!

well, that sorts out some rotation issues. Go Gani! Go Warrick!

Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun

by Alex Laugan on Jul 15, 2010 5:52 PM MDT up reply actions  

"My return after the surgery will be in 3-4 days"

you shouldve read it first

Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.

by Wichita SunSteeler on Jul 15, 2010 5:54 PM MDT up reply actions  

Maybe we can trade TGriff for Amar'es gall bladder.

Auntie Em: Hate you, hate Kansas, taking the dog.
Dorothy

by haremoor on Jul 15, 2010 6:28 PM MDT up reply actions  

i doubt we could get even that for tgriff

lets try for amares knees

Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.

by Wichita SunSteeler on Jul 15, 2010 6:41 PM MDT up reply actions  

Well, that's the point - we don't WANT Amar'es knees.

Auntie Em: Hate you, hate Kansas, taking the dog.
Dorothy

by haremoor on Jul 15, 2010 8:11 PM MDT up reply actions  

its all we could get though lol

Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.

by Wichita SunSteeler on Jul 15, 2010 10:30 PM MDT up reply actions  

The worlds are going to be thing to watch,

Rolo for the US, Goran for Slovenia, Turk for Turkey, Former Sun LB for Brazil.

Slumdog Millionaire without the million.

by atkammoh on Jul 15, 2010 6:41 PM MDT reply actions  

I think that it'll be interesting to watch Robin & Goran play against eachother.

Considering they are closest with eachother on the team.
I know it doesn’t really make a difference.
But it’ll be fun to watch.

by bmiller16 on Jul 15, 2010 7:17 PM MDT up reply actions  

Zabian Dowdell signing with Phoenix?

Zabian Dowdell played well this summer despite coming into summer league out of shape.

Although he didn’t have 5 consistent games, he showed that he can play multiple positions both on offense and defense.

Phoenix should sign him right now because they are familiar with him and like him. Don’t forget, the Suns invited Zabian to training camp last year and he was in Phoenix working out with the team until right before training camp started because he got hurt. Then he had to rehab and never got back on track when he was in the D-League and in Europe.

Zabian is a legit 6’3" and can play multiple positions and also DEFEND multiple positions. How many point guards can do that?

by hoopsfan98 on Jul 15, 2010 7:32 PM MDT via mobile reply actions  

Reynolds is a better prospect IMO

Dowdell is pretty good, but I saw him last year in summer league and he was basically the same player. With the three games Reynolds played, he clearly outplayed Dowdell in 2/3, even today’s game wasn’t bad…just pretty quiet by his standards.

Reynolds was a first-team All-American for a reason, and he has better leadership qualities and floor presence. Scottie is also a better passer and scorer from what I can tell, although Dowdell is a pretty good shooter in his own right.

Anyway, I’d be happy with either of them as a backup PG prospect, but I think Reynolds is a really special player, and would be one heck of a bargain in signing!

by 7footer on Jul 15, 2010 8:29 PM MDT up reply actions  

I have seen enough of him...

After 20 years of coaching, i have seen my share of guys that have athletic or physical attributes that for many reasons, never translate to production on the court. Earl Clark strikes me as a candidate for that. Sure he has athleticism, good handles for a big guy, shows an ability to drive, and seems to cover the perimeter decently for a big, And you would think that all of those things translate into a unique set of attributes for a 6’-9" guy.

However, Clark has shown in his limited time, very little. He isn’t an accurate enough shooter yet tends to settle on jump shots. On top of that, he regularly puts the ball on the floor and over dribbles prior to settling on a jump shot [which then kills the flow of the offense]. While we have seen flashes of his ability to drive, he is very inefficient with the ball in his hands. This is common among young players that have been able to rely upon their overpowering physicality to be successful at lower levels.

I am not so sure that Clark is focused on what he needs to do. He needs to narrow his scope on what he can and cannot do with the ball on the court. Guys like Raja Bell have carved a valuable niche because they realized they aren’t going to be effective trying to manufacture their own points, instead they focused on becoming a defender who will knock down shots when open. Unfortunately, it looks as though Clark is trying to “make moves” and become an offensive threat, and that is not what will provide value to this team. He needs to work on catching and shooting [without dribbling], setting good picks and finishing at the rim when the opportunity arises, and ultimately and primarily become a versatile go-to defender for the Suns [guarding interior and perimeter players].

All the dribbling, forcing shots, and focusing on his offense is evidence that he is trying to become an offensive creator, and we don’t need that from him [we have Nash, Dragic, Hill, J Rich, and Turk for that]. Once he defines his role and has some success, he can add elements to his game in ensuing years. But until he figures this out, he will continue to flounder and not provide much of anything in value for the Suns.

by coachj14 on Jul 15, 2010 7:39 PM MDT reply actions  

Part of Clarks problem is the coaching he's received.

Not unsound, fundamentally wrt technique, but raw wrt those fundamentals regarding his decision making. Still, up until the 4th, he was playing well within himself, and only threw up about 2 junk shots (5/10 shooting at the 1/2, 5/11 entering the 4th). He made a nice long two, around the 1/2.

The bad shots he took, mostly in the 4th, were basically the result of improvisation, where he didn’t have a good initial opportunity, and decided to force the shot instead of resetting. otoh, collectively we fell apart and played like crap in the 4th, and I’m still trying to figure out why that was the case. Wouldn’t put all the blame on Clark for that misfire, and on some of those bad shots (like the limp turnaround hook shot, with about 4 mins to go), it’s not clear to me that he even had an out to pass to.

So, I wouldn’t say he’s trying to become a creator, so much, as he’s just trying to make those field goals by himself, in a situation where he doesn’t seem to trust his teammates. That should change in the pre-season.

overall, he made some nice passes, and I liked his defense and his rebounding, which were solid at times, and loved his activity. wish he’d shoot a little smarter.

As to your point about Raja, I should point out that Phoenix was his 4th team, in his 6th season, after being drafted by the Sixers, which suggests that it took him a while to figure out his niche. I’m hoping Clark will be better than Bell’s best, by the end of this season.

"True glory consists of doing what deserves to be written, and writing what deserves to be read".

by Pliny the Elder on Jul 15, 2010 8:13 PM MDT up reply actions  

you are saying the same thing

creating is both for others and for self. Clark is trying to create shots for himself and he is not good at it. It puts him in a position where he over dribbles and forces bad shots. That is exactly what I am saying. He needs to move without the ball, find angles to get open looks and shoot off the pass, or immediately head fake on closeouts and drive to find open lanes.

In regards to bell, it was not so much about Raja not knowing how to find his niche, rather finding a team that fit his niche. Clark has that, so not being able to produce in it is certainly a warning sign. Raja was sound for Philly and Utah, then hooked on with a team that could highlight his abilities and got his opportunity. The idea here is that he never tried to
prove" his way into minutes by doing things he really doesn’t do well. This is what Clark seems to be doing.

by coachj14 on Jul 15, 2010 9:49 PM MDT up reply actions  

I think we're saying slightly different things..

I agree with you, btw, on what he needs to learn.. Of course, the same could be said of about 250 players currently on NBA rosters.

But here’s where I’m going to nitpick a little.. when I watch Clark, I don’t see a guy trying to iso, and singlehandedly trying to win a game, ala Jordan, Kobe or Wade..

I do actually see him making passes, and moving without the ball, although not always to a decent spot. At least in todays game, for the 1st 3 quarters that’s what I saw. The guy was active, setting screens, rebounding, using space properly, for the most part, etc…

But to address your point, what I saw in the 4th is a guy, who when he decides to shoot or take a shot, committing himself so strongly to that goal, to the exclusion of everything else. With the ball in his hand, he would force opportunities instead of letting them come to him. I think that’s what he needs to work on, the Kenny Rogers mindset: know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em.

Having said that, the whole team broke down in the 4th in today’s game, so for at least three of those bad shots, a lot of people were just in each others way, and he really didn’t have anyone to pass to, to get himself out of trouble. To me that’s just an artifact of summer league play, and the tendency of participants to highlight their own games.

What will be interesting to me, is if and by how much Earl gets better in pre-season, which is a lot more structured than summer league, with more a more cogent playbook, and other players who know where they fit on the floor, and how to play alongside each other.

If Earl can subdue his tendency to force shots, be more mindful of his teammates, and not disrupt the team flow, then he’ll be useful. It’s funny, he reminds he so much of Trix, who had the exact same problems early on.

"True glory consists of doing what deserves to be written, and writing what deserves to be read".

by Pliny the Elder on Jul 16, 2010 12:07 AM MDT up reply actions  

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