Brandon Clarke named NBA Summer League MVP

The NBA Summer League capped off an amazing run on Monday night with the Grizzlies edging the Wolves 95-92 to win the crown.

Brandon Clarke was named NBA Summer League MVP. He led the Grizzlies with an impressive effort on both ends of the floor with 15 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, one 3-pointer, one steal and three blocks. His well-rounded line helped make things easier for teammates Bruno Caboclo (15 points, four rebounds) and Grayson Allen (17 points, five rebounds) to get in on the action.

The Wolves got a surprise performance from Kelan Martin who put up 19 points on 6-of-14 shooting with three triples.

The game was close as both teams were trading baskets in the dying minutes of the fourth quarter. However, two made free throws by Keenan Evans, with 10 seconds remaining in regulation all but sealed the deal for the Grizzlies.

We did not get to see much of the top rookies play in this Summer League. Both Ja Morant and Darius Garland missed the tournament, nursing respective injuries. First overall pick Zion Williamson was only seen for half a game, after a knee collision forced the Pelicans to play it safe with their prized rookie and shut him down for the rest of the NBA Summer League.

To Clarke’s credit, he came up big and delivered the goods. He was advertised as one of the more NBA-ready rookies in his class and he did not disappoint. He was selected 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. He will likely be seeing action at both the power forward and center positions, backing up Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jonas Valanciunas.