Jaylen Clark’s effort and defensive chops are why he's entered the Minnesota Timberwolves’ rotation after Anthony Edwards was sidelined. You’d love for him to develop a bit more offensively, but he’s made enough 3-pointers this season that opponents can’t completely ignore him.
Unfortunately for Clark and the Wolves, he left Saturday’s game against the Chicago Bulls early in the second quarter with right hamstring soreness. The 25-year-old ran into Minnesota’s bench trying to save a loose ball off a missed 3-pointer by LaMelo Ball. He walked off under his own power but with a noticeable limp.
Now, Chris Finch went with a nine-man rotation for the rest of the contest, and the Timberwolves lost by 11. He may have felt uncomfortable bringing someone else in while they trailed, but the game wasn't out of reach.
It’s unclear whether Clark will miss time, but if he does, Cody Williams looks like the next in line for minutes.
Cody Williams has been waiting for his chance with Minnesota
A soon-to-be 22-year-old, Williams is still looking for his first points with the Wolves. Acquired in a deal with the Utah Jazz to help Minnesota shed Josh Green’s salary and free up room to sign Jonathan Kuminga, Williams hasn’t played a regular season game, unless it has been out of reach.
Minnesota has been involved in a lot of blowout wins, so Williams has seen time in seven of their first 13 outings. In about 29 total minutes, he’s attempted only two shots, including one three-pointer, and grabbed two rebounds.
Losing Clark for any time would mean being without their best defensive piece off the bench. Williams can’t equal him at that end, but his 7-foot-plus wingspan makes it challenging for opponents when he’s fully engaged (Clark is much stronger than Williams, though).
The 10th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Williams had a miserable rookie season with Utah, but improved in Year 2 and took the ball to the basket far more often (the 3-point shot was still extremely erratic). His free-throw rate rose substantially, largely because Williams was more aggressive on offense.
Chris Finch could use 9 guys if Jaylen Clark is out of action
Now, there’s also a strong possibility that Finch sticks with a nine-man rotation if Clark is forced to miss time. He’s surely played nine guys in games during his head-coaching career, and he’s even gone just eight deep at times in the playoffs.
Finch isn’t one to throw rookies into the fire, so Isaiah Evans probably won’t get a look in the rotation right now. Zyon Pullin would be intriguing, but Minnesota may keep him in the G League so the two-way player can keep getting on-court reps.
Perhaps Clark is fine and ready to go for Monday’s meeting with the Portland Trail Blazers. If he isn't, Williams is the likely new 10th man, but he could still be the odd man out if Finch plays nine guys.
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