Earl Clark - keep or throw back?

[Yuma]

I keep hearing this guy is really skilled. Whenever he gets in games he shows flashes, but overall doesn't really play well. I don't know if he's pushing too hard, or just a slow starter, but I seriously wonder if he will pan out. So should we keep him, or cut bait if the Suns have a shot at a big man to fill out the roster? I was not surprised to see Griffin go. I'm not sure what to think of Clark. What do you guys think?

 

[carey]

If we can move him for something substantial that can help us compete while Nash is still here, I am alright with it. I don't see the lightbulb coming on for him this year. Maybe next year, but right now I don't even want to see him on the floor when the game is undecided. Do you?

It's sad really because I do see flashes of Odom, but usually flashes of Diaw (lazy & uninterested).

 

[Gaddabout]

I think Clark has the ability to be a really nice combo forward. His biggest problem is his jump shot is almost beyond repair. He was a great player at Louisville. Ball handler, passer, team player, decent defender. I don't think you just throw away that after one year riding on the pine on a WCF team.

 

[dodie53]

just give him some more time.

 

[Mainstreet]

The thing that bothers me about Clark is that he is not aggressive. I think he had the same rap coming out of college. Maybe someone remembers.

 

[Sunburn]

He needs to bang out that jumpshot in the gym until he's got it. With a nice j, he'd be a really sweet player.

 

[Covert Rain]

Clark's shot right now is just pure ugly. I don't mean the Shawn Marion or Brewer kind of ugly that is just cosmetic but the ball still goes in. I am talking awful mechanics and terrible results. Not to mention that he makes really dumb shot selections.

The jury is still out on Clark but I am just not high on this guy at all. I kept hearing that he was going to work on his mechanics in the off season but I don't really see any results.

 

[Superbone]

He settles for the jumper way, way too much.

 

[Griffin]

So should we keep him, or cut bait if the Suns have a shot at a big man to fill out the roster?

Well, the Suns certainly are not going to just release him with one more season of nearly $2M guaranteed money. But should a trade opportunity arise, he could definitely be dealt. I did not like what I saw of him during the summer. He just doesn't play smart. And with Warrick, Turkoglu and Frye back, Clark may again find himself out of rotation.

 

[Irish]

After all these years he's been in the NBA...

I thought he should have spent more time in the d-League. I'm sure that he offers more than he's shown in summer league, but I don't see him getting much playing time this season.

 

[Suns_fan69]

And with Warrick, Turkoglu and Frye back, Clark may again find himself out of rotation.

It's actually worse than that. Clark's problem is that he's more of an SF on a team already loaded with them. As it is he's competing with Hill, Dudley, Turkoglu and Warrick for playing time. I just don't see any way (barring injuries of course) he'll get any sort of regular rotation minutes with that group ahead of him. Now, if he could bang down low with the big boys, there's hope there but Clark has neither the body nor the aptitude to do that.

 

[Irish]

It's actually worse than that. Clark's problem is that he's more of an SF on a team already loaded with them. As it is he's competing with Hill, Dudley, Turkoglu and Warrick for playing time. I just don't see any way (barring injuries of course) he'll get any sort of regular rotation minutes with that group ahead of him. Now, if he could bang down low with the big boys, there's hope there but Clark has neither the body nor the aptitude to do that.

I have always thought Clark is an SF. From what I can tell, that is where he was expected to play. On a team with a 37 year old starting SF, it is not stupid to take the time to get Clark ready. Of course a year ago, the same could be said about Lopez and Dragic.

 

[Mainstreet]

Even if Clark is a SF, it should not keep him from attacking the rim. Instead he likes to stay outside and shoot errant jump shots. I just do not think Clark has the mental toughness it takes right now to contribute. How does one teach a 6' 10" player to play aggressive when he avoids physical contact?

 

[PHX04]

he seems like a Leandro type player.. maybe he needs a motivator like how Dantoni was all over barbosa. but barbosa is a great guy and the best attitude.

anyone know his personality?

 

[green machine]

In Summer League he's the main guy with pretty much garbage around him - not a great situation for a distributor.

Put him on the floor with Nash, JRich and other top players and see how he fits. I think you'll be surprised.

 

[Joe Mama]

Even if Clark is a SF, it should not keep him from attacking the rim. Instead he likes to stay outside and shoot errant jump shots. I just do not think Clark has the mental toughness it takes right now to contribute. How does one teach a 6' 10" player to play aggressive when he avoids physical contact?

that's the feeling I get as well. I'm not sure I would paint him as a small forward. To me he seems like he should be able to play either position depending on the matchup. From what I've seen so far he just isn't a very good basketball player. I was excited about him based on his size and skill set, but now that I've actually taken the time to watch him I'm not all that hopeful. His jump shot isn't inconsistent. It's consistently ugly and off. Whenever he drives to the basket I expect the ball to get knocked away. I really want to be wrong about this guy, but I just don't see it.

In Summer League he's the main guy with pretty much garbage around him - not a great situation for a distributor.

Put him on the floor with Nash, JRich and other top players and see how he fits. I think you'll be surprised.

the problem is that at least to me he looked exactly the same as he did last season when he played with the team. And that did not leave a lot to get excited about. If the goal is to field a competitive team I would rather bring back Almunson.

Joe

 

[The Commish]

The problem with Clark is upstairs. All the talent, not enough motivation/confidence to fully utilize it. His value isn't high right now so I think you give him this season and maybe next before you cut bait.

 

[elindholm]

The Suns have to make a decision on his third-year option soon, don't they? I'm guessing they'll pick it up.

 

[Bufalay]

His shot reminds me of Tskititishvili's, ugly

 

[The Commish]

His shot reminds me of Tskititishvili's, ugly

So does his talent and mental midgetry.

 

[Superbone]

that's the feeling I get as well. I'm not sure I would paint him as a small forward. To me he seems like he should be able to play either position depending on the matchup. From what I've seen so far he just isn't a very good basketball player. I was excited about him based on his size and skill set, but now that I've actually taken the time to watch him I'm not all that hopeful. His jump shot isn't inconsistent. It's consistently ugly and off. Whenever he drives to the basket I expect the ball to get knocked away. I really want to be wrong about this guy, but I just don't see it.



the problem is that at least to me he looked exactly the same as he did last season when he played with the team. And that did not leave a lot to get excited about. If the goal is to field a competitive team I would rather bring back Almunson.

Joe

This. My feelings exactly. He played no differently last year with the real Suns than this Summer with the SL Suns. Put Lou's mind in Earl's body and we'd really have something.

 

[Yuma]

This. My feelings exactly. He played no differently last year with the real Suns than this Summer with the SL Suns. Put Lou's mind in Earl's body and we'd really have something.

I'd put Michael Jordan's mind in Earl Clark's body. Now THAT would be something!

 

[Errntknght]

Clark struck me as being a guy that thought it was important to make a great play every time - and often thought the long bomb was the ideal play. I tend to agree with green machine, putting him on the floor with guys he knows are top players might straighten him out. Might I say, with the coaches keeping on top of him as well.

He might even turn it around with the second unit if he's a regular member. Sporadic minutes subbing for Warrick, Dudley, Frye won't likely show anything positive. Playing regularly alongside Dragic, Childress and Dudley, I believe he'd do his best to hold up his end on defense and he's shown flashes of fair to middling D. If the second unit started tearing it up like they did last year, that could give him a whole new outlook on the game - who wouldn't love to be part of something like that.

Or not, of course...

Lawal is probably the surest bet to replace Lou in the second unit and have it continue on like last year.

 

[Irish]

Clark struck me as being a guy that thought it was important to make a great play every time - and often thought the long bomb was the ideal play. I tend to agree with green machine, putting him on the floor with guys he knows are top players might straighten him out. Might I say, with the coaches keeping on top of him as well.

He might even turn it around with the second unit if he's a regular member. Sporadic minutes subbing for Warrick, Dudley, Frye won't likely show anything positive. Playing regularly alongside Dragic, Childress and Dudley, I believe he'd do his best to hold up his end on defense and he's shown flashes of fair to middling D. If the second unit started tearing it up like they did last year, that could give him a whole new outlook on the game - who wouldn't love to be part of something like that.

Or not, of course...

Lawal is probably the surest bet to replace Lou in the second unit and have it continue on like last year.

I hope you are right with Clark. I fear he is not that bright and may take longer to develop than guys like Dudley and Lopez. Clark complained about being confused at PF after spending the entire last season at SF.

Realistically, they should work with him at becoming a real PF. He may need a personality transplant, but with Hill,k Dudley, and Childress (even J-Rch if he re-signs) ahead of thim, , Clark would seem to have more future becoming a PF - SOMEDAY.

BTW,, everything I've read makes me think Lawal is going to be an up and comer. He resembles Lou in that he is very active, but appears to be more physical than Lou.

 

[leclerc]

I had hopes for Clark last year but I agree with you guys after seeing him in summer leauge it's not much to be excited about. I also agree with the guy saying he'd be better outside of garbage time. Problem is both Dudley, Warrick and partially Childress (so Duds can't play guard) is clearly in front so there's not much time to be had.

Send him to the D-league with Collins or something. Now I don't know if that boosts his confidence or shakes him up but he has to get his head in the game if he's gonna have a career. Give him the Thunder Dan treatment.