After missing his first season in the NBA due to an Achilles injury, Jaylen Clark emerged as a pleasant surprise for the Minnesota Timberwolves in his de facto rookie season. Clark first played in January and became a mainstay in the Wolves' rotation at the end of the month. Through 40 games (four starts), Clark averaged 13.1 minutes, 4.1 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists with 46.7/43.1/78.4 shooting splits.
Notably, Clark played more than fellow young players Terrence Shannon Jr. and Rob Dillingham. Clark's stellar on-ball defense gives him a solid chance to replicate Nickeil Alexander-Walker's role.