The Minnesota Timberwolves haven't been able to smoothly replace Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who is now enjoying a career season with the Atlanta Hawks. Nevertheless, Jaylen Clark has been the most impressive of the Wolves' young trio which also includes Terrence Shannon Jr. and Rob Dillingham.
Clark's averages of 4.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 0.9 stocks don't jump off the page. Anyone who watches Timberwolves games, though, knows that Clark's impact (especially defensively) is immense.
After Tuesday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Timberwolves are 10-0 when Clark plays 15-plus minutes. Conversely, they are 3-6 in the games where he plays fewer than 15 minutes and 0-2 in the two games he didn't play in. This not only highlights his impact, but it also shows that he deserves a bigger role.
Jaylen Clark is key to the Timberwolves' success
The Wolves' defense hasn't been up to their normal elite standards this season. Per Cleaning the Glass (which filters out garbage time), the Wolves rank 12th for defensive rating. Before this season, they have held a top-10 defense in every season with Rudy Gobert.
Clark has been the Timberwolves' best point-of-attack defender throughout the season. As the Wolves' defense struggles to find momentum, playing Clark would benefit them. He gives them some much-needed energy and a perimeter stopper outside of Jaden McDaniels.
Opponents are shooting just 40.3 when they are defended by Clark. His swarming on-ball defense earned him the nickname "Clark County Jail" as he puts opponents in jail. This number is the best on the Timberwolves and ranks within the top 15 of all defenders who contest at least five shots per game. Clark also ranks in the 92nd percentile for defensive estimated plus-minus.
This possession perfectly encapsulates Clark's impact.
I mean what an insane defensive possession from Jaylen Clark.
— Jonah (@Huncho_Jman) November 22, 2025
Shutting down Dillon Brooks, then poking free the Devin Booker drive.
Booker sticks back and complains, while Ant zooms by and scores. pic.twitter.com/dCSoFPkvc9
He isn't just an elite on-ball defender; Clark is disruptive off the ball. According to Databallr, he ranks in the 92nd percentile for deflections per 100 possessions and 85th percentile for steals per 100 possessions.
One specific area where Clark helps the Wolves is the non-Rudy minutes. Without Gobert, the Wolves have an abysmal 128.6 defensive rating. However, with Clark and without Gobert, the Wolves' DRTG improves to 122.9. Additionally, when Clark and McDaniels are on the court without Gobert, the Wolves have a respectable 115.5 DRTG.
The solution is clear: Clark and McDaniels must be paired together during the non-Rudy minutes. Clark's perimeter defense allows McDaniels to roam around the court and wreak havoc.
Offensively, Clark still has some catching up to do. His shot is inconsistent, but he's shooting an impressive 37.1 percent from beyond the arc. When his shot is falling, Clark has to play big minutes. He is also a high-level cutter and connective playmaker.
Ultimately, Clark's impact makes him deserving of a bigger role, and the results are impossible to argue with.