As the start of the NBA season nears, one Minnesota Timberwolves player who has flown under the radar is Jaylen Clark. The 6-foot-5 wing missed his rookie season with an injury in 2023-24. However, last season, Clark got his two-way contract converted to a standard deal. In 40 games, Clark averaged 13.1 minutes and 4.1 points, on 46.7/43.1/78.4 shooting splits.
Amid the excitement about Terrence Shannon Jr. and Rob Dillingham earning bigger roles following Nickeil Alexander-Walker's departure, it was Clark who actually played the most out of this trio last season. Clark's disruptive defense will help him earn minutes in some capacity, a skill that will make things hard for opponents.
Clark's defense is valuable, but how does he fit into the Wolves' rotation?
Head coach Chris Finch mentioned that the Wolves will likely run a nine-man rotation, with the ninth man possibly being situational. Specifically, Finch mentioned that on some nights the team will need defense, on other nights point guard play, and on other nights a big man. Defense is where Clark can hang his hat and earn minutes as that situational ninth man.
Impressively, the UCLA product was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year as a junior. Clark held opponents to 45.8 percent shooting from the field, including holding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 29.4 percent from the field. Furthermore, Clark averaged 3.3 steals per 100 possessions, a number that ranked in the 96th percentile according to DataBallr. Likewise, his stop percentage ranked in the 94th percentile. Regardless of how many minutes he gets, Clark will give the Wolves incredible defense and energy.
Jaylen Clark Defense vs Phoenix supercut pic.twitter.com/LXMcMbkMZC
— Jonah (@Huncho_Jman) January 30, 2025
While he might not start off as a mainstay in the Wolves' rotation, it's not far-fetched that he can earn this distinction. Every team could use extra wing play, and the Wolves are no different. Additionally, Clark's off-ball abilities will allow him to fit smoothly next to the Wolves' stars, Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. It's possible when it's all said and done that Clark carves out a consistent role with the Wolves.
Despite shooting a stellar 43.1 percent from beyond the arc last season, much of Clark's impact will come down to shooting consistency. Clark was just a 30.2 percent 3-point shooter in college. It's fair to wonder if last season was simply an outlier year or the new norm. Nevertheless, if Clark shoots at a high level this season, it will be hard for Finch to keep him out of the rotation.
It's unclear what Clark's role will be with the Wolves this season. Regardless, it's clear that Clark will get some opportunities and that he will make the most of his minutes. Even if Clark only plays occasional minutes, his fantastic defense and relentless motor will always make life difficult for the opposition.