Why Jordan Clarkson belongs on the Rookie 1st Team

Jordan Clarkson has turned out to be a great 2nd round pick. Fans and analysts knew Clarkson was long, fast and athletic but no one expected him to be able to score at this rate and play with such poise. For most of the season Clarkson had very limited playing time, mostly garbage time minutes. So far this season he's averaging 10.8 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds per game. Since he was placed into the starting line up he's really played well and his numbers have improved.

March was great a month for Jordan Clarkson. In that month he averaged 16 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game; not to mention improving his PER to 2nd in the league at 15.98 amongst all rookies. His play has been so well that he's even surprised Head Coach Byron Scott and earned a spot in the Lakers future plans. At this point he's leaving his imprint all over the game; each team has been in for quite a surprise. There is no doubt in my mind he's been the best rookie since the beginning of March which is why he was named Rookie of the Month.

The 2014 draft was one of the most talented drafts in recent years. The names in that draft were expected to be franchise changers. Despite that Clarkson has out played nearly every rookie in this draft with the exception of Andrew Wiggins who is probably going to be the Rookie of the Year. Let's take a look at his numbers for a second. Wiggins is averaging 16.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game on the year. If we put his numbers up against Clarkson's, who can only be judged since he was given the starting point guard position in these last 20+ games, Clarkson would have the better stat line. This is another reason why Clarkson is a top rookie talent and deserves a spot on that Rookie 1st Team.

Clarkson's ceiling is very high and he is improving each game. He's well on his way to be a future All Star and focal point of the Lakers moving forward. Hopefully his journey continues with a spot on that Rookie 1st Team, which he's clearly earned after he was named Rookie of the Month. Clarkson has started making a name for himself and is forcing you to pay attention to his game. Let's hope Kobe has recognized his game as well and is willing to transition Clarkson into one of the faces of the franchise after he retires.