Jazz Sign Ian Clark

[Stifle Tower]

Naw, while Clark seems to have a great personality and looks like he may be a good team player, Burke still has leadership oozing out of him in a way that we desperately need.

Burke had something oozing out of him in Orlando, but it sure wasn't leadership. The tweet WASN'T mine, but I hope Trey puts it up on his mirror and uses it as motivation.

 

[rcb1820]

Astute observation

Only thing that concerns me is his funky release point. He puts the ball out in front of him and shoots it from a point a 5'10" player would. It is a quick release, but could see NBA defenders easily running him off the line or blocking it.

Very observant; Clark does have a low release point, but it didn't seem to affect him in Orlando against quasi-NBA defenders. He moves extremely well without the ball and finds open looks. He also has a very-quick release, making it more difficult for the defender to close out on him. Still, your comment started me thinking about other players who have what you describe as a "funky release point." The first name that comes to mind is Kevin Martin, now of the Timberwolves. He almost shoots a set shot, the release point just above his right ear. I don't think his release is lightning-quick either; he just has a knack for finding seams in the defense. Clark seems to go to the hoop better than Martin as well. Who else? Oh, yeah, Mike Conley of the Grizzlies. His release point is even lower than Martin's, and he can't jump at all. But he's a clever dribbler and achieves separation with an unguardable pull-back. Grevis Vasquez somehow gets his shot off with no leaping ability, as does Ridnour. Again, you may have identified a major flaw in Clark's game, but I think he'll overcome it.

Obviously, I'm very high on Ian, especially after enduring years of poor shooting from the 2 (except for Hornacek). I've come to dread any player analysis that suggests that "his outshot shot needs work." That was the knock on Burks, and I'm still not confident in his ability to hit a clutch jumper. Here's my prediction: Clark will do so well in fall camp that the Jazz will trade Burks to Phoenix or Boston.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

Very observant; Clark does have a low release point, but it didn't seem to affect him in Orlando against quasi-NBA defenders. He moves extremely well without the ball and finds open looks. He also has a very-quick release, making it more difficult for the defender to close out on him. Still, your comment started me thinking about other players who have what you describe as a "funky release point." The first name that comes to mind is Kevin Martin, now of the Timberwolves. He almost shoots a set shot, the release point just above his right ear. I don't think his release is lightning-quick either; he just has a knack for finding seams in the defense. Clark seems to go to the hoop better than Martin as well. Who else? Oh, yeah, Mike Conley of the Grizzlies. His release point is even lower than Martin's, and he can't jump at all. But he's a clever dribbler and achieves separation with an unguardable pull-back. Grevis Vasquez somehow gets his shot off with no leaping ability, as does Ridnour. Again, you may have identified a major flaw in Clark's game, but I think he'll overcome it.

Obviously, I'm very high on Ian, especially after enduring years of poor shooting from the 2 (except for Hornacek). I've come to dread any player analysis that suggests that "his outshot shot needs work." That was the knock on Burks, and I'm still not confident in his ability to hit a clutch jumper. Here's my prediction: Clark will do so well in fall camp that the Jazz will trade Burks to Phoenix or Boston.

Dude, Kevin Martin use to be elite going to the hoop.