No Sophomore Slumps For Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle?

One thing that most rookies dread is falling prey to the sophomore jinx or slump, depending on how you call it.

This NBA season, there are a lot of sophomores who may probably be thinking of it, though not out loud. The list could include the top pick of the 2014 NBA Draft Andrew Wiggins of the Minnesota Timberwolves or even Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle of the Los Angeles Lakers.

There are big expectations of course for Andrew Wiggins over at Minnesota Timberwolves, one of the bright and upcoming stars expected to shine.

Clarkson, perhaps the surprise of last year’s draft, continues to shine as witnessed by most in the recent Summer League and the NBA preseason. But will his performance carry on to the more important phase which is NBA regular season?

All that remains to be seen but Clarkson is up there. He is most likely to start at the point in the early goings though it all depends on how well D’Angelo Russell performs for the youth-filled Los Angeles Lakers ballclub.

So is there any pressure? Well perhaps a bit for Clarkson but the thing is, he can do other things. He is not simply an offensive machine so if he does the intangibles (playmaking and defense) he should be fine. No one falters on the intangibles though there are other things to consider.

How about his teammate Julius Randle?

Randle is technically entering his rookie season though not officially. He did debut last year but for only 14 minutes after suffering a leg injury right in his first NBA game.

Like Clarkson, he has shown promise in the preseason and considering his last plight, there is no way to go but up for the Lakers forward.

It is unlikely that both Clarkson and Randle will be worried about the so-called sophomore slump but then again it could happen. To some it may be superstitious but then again it could happen.

This is why both may want to focus on the things that they stand less likely of getting jinxed. If Clarkson is settled in defense and making his teammates look good, Randle could focus more on rebounding.

Randle may want to be a scrapper as they call it this coming season since this is one department the Lakers had trouble with last season. Besides, with Roy Hibbert at his side, he doesn’t have to do it all by his lonesome.

Scoring? Well both will have good production nights for sure.

With a healthy Kobe Bryant, Nick Young and Lou Williams, scoring is not a priority for Clarkson and Randle.