Tag: Mike D’Antoni

Gary Clark earns next opportunity as illnesses hit Rockets’ rotation

Can Gary Clark crack Houston’s rotation? With two starters likely out, the second-year forward will have a chance Saturday to make his case.

Over the first 17 games of the 2019-20 NBA season, second-year forward Gary Clark played 10 minutes combined for the Houston Rockets.

Then on Wednesday, with starting center Clint Capela out sick, the 6-foot-6 Clark — who can play center in smaller lineups — stepped up in a big way with 12 points and eight rebounds in 28 minutes. He played the entire second quarter as Houston expanded its lead from four points to 24, which helped spark the Rockets (12-6) to a much-needed win.

Known best for his defense, the soft-spoken 25-year-old also had a block, steal, assist, and two made three-pointers in the victory (box score).

Now, with two frontcourt starters in Capela and Danuel House Jr. both doubtful for Saturday’s home game versus Atlanta due to illnesses, Clark appears poised to earn another opportunity to build on his success.

P.J. Tucker, who is the only usual frontcourt starter expected to play against the Hawks, indicated at Friday’s practice that he sees glimpses of himself in the younger Clark. Tucker told reporters:

I feel like Gary can be like me, in some ways, with the second unit when he comes in. He has ability to space the floor, but it’s more defense. Gary can guard multiple positions. It’s just getting him to talk more. Gary isn’t really a talker, so I’m always trying to influence him to talk more.

After Wednesday’s game, Clark said that even though he hasn’t received regular playing time this year, he still feels he’s been able to learn and improve while watching from the bench. He said:

You can think a lot sitting over there a lot of games. … Just being able to think the game, learn the game, just seeing the ins and outs when you’re sitting over there.

During his rookie season, Clark played 15 times in November 2018 for the Rockets at 21 minutes per game. However, his playing time faded as the year moved along, with the veteran-laden Rockets wanting more proven options for their playoff push.

Houston head coach Mike D’Antoni said after Clark’s strong showing versus the Heat that he could win back a rotation spot in his second season, but that consistency would be the key moving forward.

Russell Westbrook, who had 27 points in Wednesday’s victory and played alongside Clark for much of the second quarter, had kind words for the University of Cincinnati product in his postgame interview.

He did a good job, he was ready. Made some big shots, made a lot of plays that aren’t seen on the stat sheet.

At Friday’s practice, D’Antoni largely echoed his postgame assessment when asked whether Clark could keep his minutes moving forward.

It depends on Gary Clark [laughs]. I would love for him to… that means he’s playing well. If he does like he did last game, then yeah. He could earn some minutes.

With Capela and House out, it’s probably a safe bet that Clark will again receive minutes against the young and rebuilding Hawks (4-14). The question is what happens when D’Antoni and the Rockets get their complete rotation back.

Then again, Houston’s primary backup center is Tyson Chandler, who is now 37 years old. Chandler started in place of Capela on Wednesday, yet still played only eight minutes due to the team’s planned usage restrictions on the 19-year NBA veteran over the regular season.

Those limitations could leave an opening for Clark to receive playing time this year, even after Capela and House return. He’ll have a key opportunity Saturday against the Hawks to make his latest case.

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