Up-and-Coming Free Agents for the Orlando Magic

Ian Clark

Ian Clark was undrafted in 2013 as a 6-foot-3 shooting guard out of Belmont. He did not have elite size or athleticism, so most doubted whether he would be able to find a niche in the NBA.

All Clark did was become the Summer League MVP, scoring 33 points in the Golden State Warriors win. Clark eventually parlayed his Summer League performance to a deal with the Utah Jazz, before returning to the Warriors two years later in 2015.

With the Warriors, Clark was a rotation player on two historic teams. But going into free agency, there are still doubts about how good Clark really is. And it seems like now is his time to cash in as a defending champion.

Ian Clark has been doubted every step of the way. But still, he has succeeded. It says a lot about his determination and work ethic.

Much of Clark’s success has been attributed to his teammates, a fact which he acknowledges. But playing with great players requires a great confidence in his own ability.

Clark showed he has that confidence. He shot his shot, averaging 5.6 shots per game in just 14 minutes per game of action, hitting 37 percent of his shots from 3-point range.

Ian Clark is where he is through hard work. Plus he is a champion. He knows what it takes, and that is the type of player the Magic need in the locker room. And certainly, he must be hungry for a larger role.

Clark’s return to the Warriors is doubtful as they already have his replacement in Patrick McCaw on the roster.

Of course, everything comes down to price. Clark made $1 million dollars, so he is looking for a payday, but everything is relative. Everything is a payday from where he is at with the rookie minimum.

Clark could really help the Magic on and off the floor, but only at the right price. With the D.J. Augustin contract on the books, the organization has to be careful allocating future funds to the position.