NBA Rumors: Ian Clark signs with New Orleans Pelicans
As the New Orleans Pelicans continue their backcourt makeover, they have agreed to sign guard Ian Clark to a one-year deal.
The New Orleans Pelicans just signed some desperately-needed backcourt help. According to Shams Charania of The Vertical, they have agreed to a one-year deal with Ian Clark.
Clark played the last two seasons with the Golden State Warriors. He was a smaller part of their rotation, but unquestionably played a role in their championship run. He appeared in all but one one playoff game averaging 6.8 points in 13.7 minutes of play.
In what’s becoming known as a Sham-wow, Charnia dropped the news on the Twitterverse Tuesday night:
Free agent Ian Clark has agreed to a one-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 1, 2017
Clark was previously linked with the Minnesota Timberwolves and was one of the better free-agent guards remaining. At 6-foot-3, he mainly plays the point guard or shooting guard positions. However, he can also be thrust into the small forward role in a pinch.
He went undrafted in 2013 after playing four seasons at Belmont. He then agreed to play with the Warriors in the Las Vegas Summer League. Fortunately, he was a quick learner and mightily impressed NBA front offices. So impressive, in fact, that he earned a two-year contract from the Utah Jazz.
He played sparingly throughout his first season and a half in Utah before being released. He was almost immediately claimed by the Denver Nuggets where he finished the season.
The following fall, Clark signed with Golden State where he has called home for the last two years. He appeared in a lot more games, however, he still saw few minutes. He’s flashed some ability and will be a nice depth pickup for New Orleans.
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The Pelicans lack NBA quality guards on their roster. Unfortunately, this continues a concerning trend of undersized guards that includes Jordan Crawford, E’Twaun Moore and Rajon Rondo.
Despite his size, Clark is a 36.4 percent career 3-point shooter. This will undoubtedly help his new squad as they try to build around their Twin Towers.
As far as Aug. 1 signings go, they won’t get much better than this.