With the Nets now set at number 11 for this season’s draft, I figured I’d give you guys some info from around the net.
From Yahoo Sports:
New Jersey Nets – Earl Clark, PF, Louisville: The Nets could use help at either forward position, particularly if they trade Yi Jianlian. The 6-9 Clark, a kind of combo forward with length and impressive physical ability, fills the bill. Quick for a big man, he can create some and is good scoring around the basket. He’ll need to develop and become a more consistent producer than he was for the Cardinals.
My Thoughts: I’m usually not in the habit of agreeing with Yahoo Sports, especially after where they predicted the team would finish this past season, but on this, they couldn’t be any more on the button. Clark is everything Jianlian isn’t- he has heart. Also, the fact that Clark can play either forward position allows them to hold on to Yi if they feel he deserves one more year to develop and can also play a part in getting him motivated. If he doesn’t respond, it’s likely he’d be trade bait. With Ryan Anderson continuing to develop as well, the Nets could get much bigger and skilled with Clark and Anderson at the forward position.
Here’s a scouting report from CollegeHoops.net:
Scouting Report: A versatile inside/outside threat.
Strengths: Great size for a small forward. Has the ability to play in the post or out on the wing. Very athletic. Great leaping ability. Long wingpsan. Great at slashing to the hoop. Can drive by defenders with either hand. Capable of posting up and scoring with his back to the basket. Good defender. Great rebounder. Great shot blocker for a forward. Has three-point range on jumper.
Weaknesses: Still inconsistent. Needs to become more consistent and a bigger threat from three-point range. Turns the ball over too much. Never was a huge scorer in college.
Projected 2009 Draft Range: Top ten pick.
Consensus: Earl Clark has all the makings of a solid, perhaps sometimes spectacular, NBA player. His size, athleticism and skill package make him a special prospect.
My Thoughts: Despite the fact that he wasn’t a huge scorer during his college days, playing with Vince Carter, Brook Lopez and Devin Harris will help change that. Simply put, the Nets need a solid rebounder with some spunk and Clark fits that bill to a T. Because of that, if the Nets pick him, he’ll get an opportunity to be a bigger part of the offense.