Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark, who missed his entire rookie season due to a left Achilles tendon rupture, has received clearance for full-contact, 5-on-5 basketball activities, the team announced on Sunday. The 6-foot-4 Clark is set to participate in the upcoming NBA summer league in Las Vegas.
Clark was selected by the Timberwolves in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2023 NBA draft. Despite suffering the injury in March 2023 during his final game with UCLA, Clark decided to remain in the draft.
During his collegiate career with the Bruins, Clark garnered recognition for his defensive prowess, earning Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year honors in the 2022-23 season. He was also named to the All-Pac-12 second team.
Throughout his time at UCLA, Clark showcased his versatility on the court, averaging 7.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 1.3 steals in 90 games, with 35 starts. His junior season in 2022-23 was particularly impressive, where he posted averages of 13.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 2.6 steals per game.
Now, with his recovery complete and clearance for full-contact activities, Jaylen Clark is poised to make his mark in the NBA as he prepares to take the court for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the upcoming summer league.
