Phoenix Suns Draft Primer: Brandon Clarke

His fit with the Phoenix Suns

If drafted by the Suns, Clarke has a prime opportunity to be the yin to Deandre Ayton‘s yang in Phoenix’s lineups. Ayton’s length and strength in the paint plays to Clarke’s weaknesses while Clarke’s non-stop motor and versatility defending when switched onto wings play to Ayton’s shortcomings.

Both have opportunities to become among the most-feared shot-blockers and paired up could equal one of the most frightening defensive frontcourts in the league.

The biggest question mark would be their fit together on the offensive end of the floor. Neither Clarke or Ayton have developed an outside shot thus far, therefore both offensive play styles could clog the paint and prevent either from going to work.

Clarke must develop a reliable catch-and-shoot three pointer to stretch the defense out and prevent easy double teams.

An underrated aspect of Clarke on the Suns roster is the amount of lineup flexibility he can bring Monty Williams. Combine him with Ayton and opponents will dread driving to the rack. Play Clarke as a small-ball center and the Suns morph into an ultra-quick transitional menace that can fly down the floor and create countless matchup problems for opponents.

Clarke’s defensive versatility and ability to guard the majority of positions on the court can be utilized in a number of different ways.

The Bottom Line

Clarke may be a reach at the sixth spot for Phoenix, but if the Suns can trade back with a late-lottery team, acquire an asset and draft their future at power forward — the wounds created by falling three spots in the pecking order could all be worth it.

Clarke has the defensive chops and the experience of performing well on college’s biggest stage to immediately improve a Suns squad that desperately needs his skillset.

The former Gonzaga star plays hard on every possession and could provide a spark that can inspire a whole team — similar to Kelly Oubre‘s effect last year. Clarke still has room to grow on offense, but judging off the numerous videos released showing him conducting catch-and-shoot drills, he appears dedicated to improving in that aspect.

Point guard isn’t the only positional need Phoenix is plagued with, and if none of the talented guards the Suns target fall to sixth, trading back and drafting Clarke may not be the worst backup plan.

Hey, it beats drafting another failed player project.