MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MAY 01: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on May 01, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
3 unique ways Brandon Clarke is uplifting the Memphis Grizzlies: Ability to make decisive scoring and passing reads in the short roll
When you visualize the springy 6’8 Clarke as the dive man in a pick and roll set, your mind automatically flashes to the third-year big catching lobs and forcefully detonating with a finish at the cup.
And this has certainly been the case in many instances, as Clarke fits the mold of your A1-type of efficient rim running big. However, Memphis’ super-charged big has shown impressive strides as a decision-maker in the short roll.
Per The Basketball Action Dictionary, The short roll is defined as;
A pick-and-roll in which the roller stops short (often near the free-throw line), receives a pass from the ballhandler, and makes plays for his teammates from there.
Effectively utilizing the short roll option requires an adept roll man to read the defense ahead and make the correct play. Historically, the vast majority of bigs don’t possess the processing ability to make such reads, and it’s why the league’s greatest decision-makers often come in the guard variety. It’s part of what makes Nikola Jokic such a ridiculous ballplayer.
While Clarke is nowhere near the level of playmaker of the likely two-time league MVP, he’s consistently demonstrated the wherewithal to make the correct basketball play when provided the opportunity as a short roller:
The 25-year-old is equipped with a feathery touch in the painted area, and he’s been able to hurt opposing defenses with his lethal floater in the lane. Per Synergy Sports, Clarke has converted on a ridiculous 8-of-11 runners (floaters) through eight playoff contests. For context, the Denver Nuggets lead all 29 other teams with the highest shooting percentage on runners with a conversion rate of 49.2%.
The threat of a deadly floater in his shot arsenal requires the defense to rotate to Clarke as he dribbles to the basket. This opens up a window for the nifty big to hit the open man in either the corner or dunkers spot. While Clarke in the short roll is by no means a match-winning option, it provides Taylor Jenkins’ offense with a useful release valve when defenses blitz the ball handler.
Memphis Grizzlies franchise is most well-known for its ‘Grit and Grind’ era in the 2010s. The no-nonsense group, led by the hard-nosed duo of Tony Allen and Zach Randolph, welcomed opponents to <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"https://www.foxsports.com/tennessee/story/grindhouse-fits-the-grizzlies-their-fans-and-their-city-042514#:~:text=Memphis.,is%20the%20newest%20proving%20ground." target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘The Grindhouse,’</a> imposing their will with the NBA’s version of a ground and pound style of game. This era netted the organization seven straight playoff appearances between 2010-2017, by far the most successful stretch in franchise history.</p>
<p style="text-align: left">Fast forward to the current crop of Grizzlies’, and the burly, smash-mouth archetype of player remains strong within the roster. The slight Ja Morant is flanked by barrel-chested wings in Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks. All while a pair of 6’10, 240lb behemoths, Adams and Jackson Jr., occupy the front line.</p>
<h2>3 unique ways Brandon Clarke is uplifting the Memphis Grizzlies</h2>
<p style="text-align: left">While each of the aforementioned players has had their moments in this year’s playoffs, Memphis’ most consistent performer, Brandon Clarke, doesn’t necessarily fit the brute, physical profile of his ‘Grit and Grind’ successors. Despite this, Clarke undeniably embodies the mentality of his predecessors.</p>
<p style="text-align: left">After playing in a total of only 9:28 seconds last postseason, the 25-year-old big has strung together a slew of impressive performances in his second go-round. Through eight games, Clarke is averaging 15.1 points, 8.3 boards, and 1.1 denials in 29 minutes in a sixth-man role for the fighting Grizz.</p>
<p style="text-align: left">And while the raw numbers are impressive, in this piece, we’ll delve into a few of the key areas of the former Bulldog’s game that he has terrorized his opponents with during the 2022 playoffs.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 1. Perfecting the short roll </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-444844" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1065,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1395029439.jpeg" alt="Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies" width="1600" height="1065" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1395029439.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1395029439-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MAY 01: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on May 01, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>3 unique ways Brandon Clarke is uplifting the Memphis Grizzlies: Ability to make decisive scoring and passing reads in the short roll</h2>
<p>When you visualize the springy 6’8 Clarke as the dive man in a pick and roll set, your mind automatically flashes to the third-year big catching lobs and forcefully detonating with a finish at the cup.</p>
<p>And this has certainly been the case in many instances, as Clarke fits the mold of your A1-type of efficient rim running big. However, Memphis’ super-charged big has shown impressive strides as a decision-maker in the short roll.</p>
<p>Per <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"https://medium.com/thebasketballactiondictionary/short-roll-60ae3ac372bb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Basketball Action Dictionary</a>, The short roll is defined as;</p>
<blockquote><p>A pick-and-roll in which the roller stops short (often near the free-throw line), receives a pass from the ballhandler, and makes plays for his teammates from there.</p></blockquote>
<p>Effectively utilizing the short roll option requires an adept roll man to read the defense ahead and make the correct play. Historically, the vast majority of bigs don’t possess the processing ability to make such reads, and it’s why the league’s greatest decision-makers often come in the guard variety. It’s part of what makes Nikola Jokic such a ridiculous ballplayer.</p>
<p>While Clarke is nowhere near the level of playmaker of the likely two-time league MVP, he’s consistently demonstrated the wherewithal to make the correct basketball play when provided the opportunity as a short roller:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JAREN JACKSON JR. SLAM.</p>
<p>GRIZZLIES BY 4.</p>
<p>24.4 left in Game 6 on ESPN.<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAPlayoffs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#NBAPlayoffs</a> presented by Google Pixel <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"https://t.co/RPQLn5eLFT">pic.twitter.com/RPQLn5eLFT
<p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1520247119692824577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 30, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>The 25-year-old is equipped with a feathery touch in the painted area, and he’s been able to hurt opposing defenses with his lethal floater in the lane. Per Synergy Sports, Clarke has converted on a ridiculous 8-of-11 runners (floaters) through eight playoff contests. For context, the Denver Nuggets lead all 29 other teams with the highest shooting percentage on runners with a conversion rate of 49.2%.</p>
<p>The threat of a deadly floater in his shot arsenal requires the defense to rotate to Clarke as he dribbles to the basket. This opens up a window for the nifty big to hit the open man in either the corner or dunkers spot. While Clarke in the short roll is by no means a match-winning option, it provides Taylor Jenkins’ offense with a useful release valve when defenses blitz the ball handler.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 2. Malleability on defense </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-444814" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1065,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1395465446.jpeg" alt="Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies" width="1600" height="1065" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1395465446.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1395465446-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MAY 03: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies guards Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on May 03, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>3 unique ways Brandon Clarke is uplifting the Memphis Grizzlies: Malleability on the defensive end of the court</h2>
<p>After playing a total of 24 minutes in game one of their first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Grizzlies’ season-long starting center, Steven Adams, found himself out of the rotation in favor of the more mobile Clarke. Though still technically playing in a reserve role, the Gonzaga alum has essentially acted as a de facto starting big, logging a shade under 30 minutes a game.</p>
<p>The replacement of Adams for Clarke in the group of starters has provided the Grizzlies coaching staff with arguably the most devastating five-man lineup in the postseason. Per NBA.com, the quintet of Morant, Brooks, Bane, Clarke, and Jackson Jr. has equated to a point differential of +34.0 points, suffocating opponents with a defensive rating of 94.0 points per 100 possessions.</p>
<p>The frontcourt pairing of Jackson Jr. and Clarke has played a significant role in mucking up opponents’ offense. By integrating Clarke into the fold, the duo of big men has provided Memphis with increased versatility on the defensive end. Each possesses the ability to protect the paint and contain opposing wings on the perimeter.</p>
<p>Clarke, in particular, has dialed it up as an interior force this postseason. Per Synergy Sports, the third-year big has held opponents to 26.7% shooting (4-of-15 FGs) around the basket on non-post-ups. While the 25-year-old is averaging a decent 1.1 denials in the postseason, his ability to both stay with his opponent and maintain verticality around the rim has yielded prime results.</p>
<p>The former Bulldog has also flexed his versatility by effectively guarding perimeter players when required. <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"https://www.nba.com/stats/player/1629634/head-to-head?SeasonType=Playoffs&dir=D&sort=MATCHUP_FGA%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">Per NBA.com</a>, the following players have shot sub-45% from the field when guarded by Clarke: Anthony Edwards (7-of-17 FG), D’Angelo Russel (0-of-10 FG), and Stephen Curry (1-of-5 FG).</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 3. Dominating the offensive glass </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-444843" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1394819063.jpeg" alt="Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1394819063.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1394819063-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 23: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to a call on the floor against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter of the game during Game Four of the Western Conference First Round at Target Center on April 23, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Grizzlies 119-118 to tie the series 2-2. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>3 unique ways Brandon Clarke is uplifting the Memphis Grizzlies: Terror on the offensive glass, providing crucial second chance opportunities</h2>
<p>Perhaps the most identifiable aspect of Brandon Clarke’s game is his relentlessness in crashing the offensive boards. Although not blessed with enormous reach, Clarke makes up for his neutral 6’8 wingspan with his explosive 40.5″ vertical leap, allowing him to sky over the pack for rebounds.</p>
<p>Throughout the playoffs so far, Clarke is averaging 3.1 offensive rebounds per game, the highest total amongst his remaining peers this postseason.</p>
<p>While the value of offensive rebounds can be questionable based on a team’s defensive scheme, the Memphis Grizzlies are certainly a team that emphasizes attacking their own backboard, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/traditional/?sort=OREB&dir=-1&Season=2021-22&SeasonType=Regular%20Season%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">as they led the league in this category</a> during the regular season.</p>
<p>The Grizzlies have the cavalry on hand to go after second-chance points while still being able to defend in transition (third-best in the NBA per Synergy Sports). Hence, accentuating a player of Clarke’s ilk to be able to wreak havoc on the offensive glass and not hurt his team in the process.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trip J knocks down his 5th triple of the game!</p>
<p>JJJ has a playoff career-high 28 PTS & 5 3PM 🔥<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAPlayoffs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#NBAPlayoffs</a> presented by Google Pixel on ABC <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"https://t.co/awiUSDOZtL">pic.twitter.com/awiUSDOZtL
<p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/07/brandon-clarke-memphis-grizzlies/2/"https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1520881506180382721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 1, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>The third-year big has already had five games with three or more offensive rebounds, including a career-high nine in Game 5 against the Timberwolves. Clarke is providing his team with an important 3.1 second-chance points per game.</p>
<p>These additional opportunities generated by Clarke provide incredible momentum from the home crowd whilst inspiring his peers with his tenacity on the glass. A personal highlight of mine has been the return of the ‘tap out’ offensive rebound, inspired by 19-year-vet Tyson Chandler.</p>
<p>At almost 26 years of age, we are most likely witnessing the apex version of Brandon Clarke. And while his skillset is largely determined, the impact Clarke has made in his first ‘real’ stint in the postseason should make him a mainstay amongst this Grizzlies’ juggernaut roster. After all, his endeavor and play style embody that of a Grit and Grind savant.</p>
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