NBA Draft 2017: The worst No. 14 picks over the past 20 years
By Simon Smith
5. Earl Clark, 2009
A 6-foot-9 small forward, Clark entered the league following three seasons at the University of Louisville. But despite possessing sufficient size and athleticism to excel in the league, Clark could never get a grasp on shooting the ball at a consistent rate.
Over 263 career games, Clark converted at just a 40.3 percent clip from the field for career averages of 4.4 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. Clark was drafted by the Phoenix Suns and lasted just one season, having averaged just 2.7 points and 1.2 rebounds in his rookie year.
From there, Clark would go onto play for a further five teams, his last stop being a 10-game stint with the Brooklyn Nets. The best season of his career came with the Los Angeles Lakers, when Clark averaged 7.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game over 59 games.
Taken at No. 14 in 2009, Clark was chosen ahead of the likes of Jrue Holiday, James Johnson, Jeff Teague and Taj Gibson. Luckily for the Suns, Clark’s lack of contribution was not greatly felt as the team made their way to the Western Conference Finals.
This past season, Clark spent his time playing for Besitkas of the Turkish League.