Rudy Gobert compares Jaylen Clark to an all-time great defender

It was more than two years ago that Jaylen Clark slid to the 53rd pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He suffered a left Achilles tendon rupture during his junior year at UCLA, an injury that sidelined him for the entire 2023-24 NBA season.

The Timberwolves took a chance on him, knowing how great the reward could be on the defensive side of the ball as he was named the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year in his final college season. They certainly made the right choice in selecting him. After Wednesday’s win, Rudy Gobert compared Clark to a legendary defensive wing in Tony Allen.

Gobert compares Clark to Grit and Grind era defensive stopper

The Timberwolves improved to 10-5 after their victory against the Wizards on Wednesday night. In the victory, Clark played a season-high 26 minutes, finishing with three steals and a block. After the game, Timberwolves beat reporter Dane Moore asked Rudy Gobert if Clark reminds him of anyone. Gobert responded with the ultimate compliment, Tony Allen.

Of course, Gobert mentioned Conley because he was a longtime teammate with Allen during the Grit and Grind era of the Grizzlies. The two were together with Memphis for seven seasons, spanning from 2010-11 until 2016-17. It was during that time that Allen solidified himself as one of the best defenders in the league. He was named to six All-Defensive teams in those seven years (three first team, three second team) and finished in the top eight of Defensive Player of the Year voting five times.

Allen and Clark also have similar physiques. During his playing career, Allen had a listed height of 6-foot-4 and a listed weight of 213 lbs. Clark is listed as an inch taller (6-foot-5) and eight lbs. lighter (205).

Clark’s impact on defensive end is quite obvious

Now 24 years old, Clark will likely never become an elite scorer in the league. That’s quite alright though, and that is evidenced by the impact he provides for the team.

Prior to comparing Clark to Allen, Gobert mentioned how Clark’s energy is infectious. He doesn’t get huge minutes, but Minnesota often wins the minutes he is out there. Clark has averaged 17.8 minutes in his 10 November games, and the Timberwolves are an overall +54 with him on the court during this month.

On the season, the Timberwolves possess an elite 103.1 defensive rating with Clark on the court, 12 points better than when he is off (115.1). As the season carries on, Clark will continue to be a vital part of the Wolves' rotation.