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Earl Clark
Earl Clark
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Earl Rashad Clark (born January 17, 1988) is an American professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the University of Louisville and was drafted 14th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2009 NBA draft.

Key Information

High school career

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Clark grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey and attended Rahway High School in Rahway, New Jersey. There, he scored 1,245 career points. As a senior, he averaged 25.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and 5 assists per game. He was a 2006 McDonald's All-American, as well as a fourth-team Parade All-American.[1]

Considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Clark was listed as the No. 8 small forward and the No. 22 player in the nation in 2006.[2]

College career

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As a freshman for the Louisville Cardinals, along with Derrick Caracter, Edgar Sosa, and Jerry Smith, the young group struggled early in the 2006–07 season. The team went on to win 8 out of its last 10 games, earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

In the first game of the 2007 NCAA Tournament, he scored 12 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals against Stanford.

Clark decided not to put his name in the 2008 NBA Draft and to return to the University of Louisville for the 2008–2009 season.

In the 2008–2009 season, Clark, along with future NBA player Terrence Williams, led Louisville to the Big East Title, as well as a #1 ranking, the first ever in the University of Louisville's history.

Professional career

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Phoenix Suns (2009–2010)

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Early in his junior season, Clark announced that he would forgo his senior season to enter the 2009 NBA draft. On April 4, 2009, agent Dan Fegan told ESPN that he had signed Clark as a client shortly after the end of Louisville's 2008–09 season, which under NCAA rules ended Clark's college eligibility.[3]

Clark was drafted 14th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2009 NBA draft.[4] He made his first career three pointer on January 28, 2010. Clark was sent to the Iowa Energy of the NBA Development League on March 15, 2010, after only averaging 2.7 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 7.6 minutes in 45 games.[5]

Orlando Magic (2010–2012)

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Clark battling with John Wall in 2011

On December 18, 2010, Clark was traded to the Orlando Magic along with Jason Richardson and Hedo Türkoğlu for Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, Mickaël Piétrus, a 2011 first-round draft pick and $3 million cash.[6] On April 16, 2012, he recorded his first double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

In August 2011 during the 2011 NBA lockout, Clark signed a one-year contract with Zhejiang Lions in China.[7] However, the next month, he asked to leave the team for family reasons after not appearing in a game for the club.[8] He re-signed with Orlando in December.[9]

Los Angeles Lakers (2012–2013)

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Clark boxed out by Chris Kaman of the Dallas Mavericks in a 2013 game

On August 10, 2012, Clark was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a four-team trade that sent Dwight Howard to the Lakers. The Denver Nuggets acquired Andre Iguodala, the Philadelphia 76ers received Andrew Bynum and Jason Richardson, and the Orlando Magic got Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington, Nikola Vučević, Maurice Harkless, Josh McRoberts, Christian Eyenga, and one protected future first-round pick from each of the other three teams. The Lakers also acquired Chris Duhon from the Magic in the trade.[10] On January 9, 2013, Clark had a breakthrough night, playing 27 minutes and setting personal bests with 22 points and 13 rebounds against the San Antonio Spurs.[11] He had been playing sparingly, but he received extended playing time after injuries to Lakers big men Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol, and Jordan Hill.[12] Coach Mike D'Antoni called Clark's performance "phenomenal"; it was only the second double-double of Clark's career.[11] Clark had three double-doubles over six games, and he was named a permanent starter even after Gasol returned.[12] After three years of limited opportunities, Clark was averaging nearly 30 minutes a game. However, he appeared tired by March, and D'Antoni replaced Clark with Gasol in the starting lineup.[13][14]

Cleveland Cavaliers (2013–2014)

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On July 12, 2013, Clark signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.[15]

On February 20, 2014, Clark was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers along with Henry Sims and two future second-round picks in exchange for Spencer Hawes.[16] He was waived by the 76ers the next day.[17]

New York Knicks (2014)

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On February 27, 2014, Clark signed a 10-day contract with the New York Knicks.[18] On March 10, 2014, he signed a second 10-day contract with the Knicks.[19] On March 20, 2014, the Knicks did not offer him a rest of season contract.[20]

Rio Grande Valley Vipers (2014)

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On September 25, 2014, Clark signed with the Memphis Grizzlies.[21] However, he was later waived by the Grizzlies on October 22, 2014.[22] He was then claimed off waivers by the Houston Rockets on October 24,[23] only to be waived again three days later.[24]

On October 31, 2014, Clark was acquired by the Iowa Energy of the NBA Development League as an affiliate player of the Memphis Grizzlies.[25] However, he was traded to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers the next day.[26]

Shandong Golden Stars (2014–2015)

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On December 10, 2014, Clark signed with the Shandong Golden Stars of the Chinese Basketball Association after reaching a buyout with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.[27][28] In 19 games for Shandong, he averaged 26.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.

Brooklyn Nets (2015)

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On March 27, 2015, Clark signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets.[29] On April 6, 2015, he signed a multi-year deal with the Nets.[30] On August 10, 2015, he was waived by the Nets.[31]

Bakersfield Jam (2015–2016)

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On October 30, 2015, Clark was acquired by the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.[32]

Delaware 87ers (2016)

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On January 16, 2016, Clark was traded to the Delaware 87ers in exchange for a 2016 second round pick.[33] Three days later, he made his debut for the 87ers in a 127–112 loss to the Westchester Knicks, recording four points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks in 21 minutes off the bench.[34] On March 19, he was waived by Delaware.[35]

Beşiktaş (2016–2018)

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On May 24, 2016, Clark signed with Henan Roaring Elephants of the Chinese National Basketball League.[36]

On August 18, 2016, Clark signed with Turkish club Beşiktaş for the 2016–17 season.[37] On July 3, 2017, he re-signed with Beşiktaş for one more season.[38] He also made the 2017 BSL All Star Game

Budućnost VOLI (2018–2019)

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On June 16, 2018, Clark signed with Budućnost VOLI of the Montenegrin Basketball League for the 2018–19 season.[39]

San Pablo Burgos (2019–2020)

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On July 19, 2019, Clark signed with Spanish club San Pablo Burgos.[40] Clark became their "franchise player",[41] averaging 12.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in the Liga ACB. He travelled to the US to be with his family after the ACB league cancellation in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Having troubles to return to Spain during the lockdown to resume practice sessions,[42] San Pablo Burgos and Clark mutually decided to part ways on May 15, 2020.[43]

Anyang KGC (2020)

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On June 19, 2020, Clark signed with the Korean team Anyang KGC.[44]

Gran Canaria (2020–2021)

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On December 22, 2020, Clark signed with Herbalife Gran Canaria of the Spanish Liga ACB.[45]

On December 31, 2021, Clark signed with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA G League.[46] Clark was then later waived on January 21, 2022, without playing a game for the team.[47]

NLEX Road Warriors (2022)

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In August 2022, he signed with the NLEX Road Warriors of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as the team's import for the 2022–23 PBA Commissioner's Cup.[48]

Gigantes de Carolina (2023)

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On February 4, 2023, he signed with Gigantes de Carolina of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN).[49]

Hsinchu Toplus Lioneers (2023–2025)

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On September 13, 2024, Clark re-signed with the Hsinchu Toplus Lioneers of the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL).[50] On May 14, 2025, the Hsinchu Toplus Lioneers announced that Clark left the team.[51]

Career statistics

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Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  PIR  Performance index rating
 Bold  Career high

NBA

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Regular season

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2009–10 Phoenix 51 0 7.5 .371 .400 .722 1.2 .4 .1 .3 2.7
2010–11 Phoenix 9 0 8.0 .387 .000 .500 1.9 .4 .1 .3 3.2
2010–11 Orlando 33 0 11.9 .441 .000 .595 2.5 .2 .2 .5 4.1
2011–12 Orlando 45 1 12.4 .367 .000 .724 2.8 .4 .3 .7 2.7
2012–13 L. A. Lakers 59 36 23.1 .440 .337 .697 5.5 1.1 .6 .7 7.3
2013–14 Cleveland 45 17 15.5 .375 .345 .583 2.8 .4 .4 .4 5.2
2013–14 New York 9 0 7.8 .333 .167 .800 1.8 .2 .1 .7 2.6
2014–15 Brooklyn 10 0 9.3 .367 .286 .250 2.3 .3 .3 .4 2.7
Career 261 54 13.9 .403 .328 .664 3.0 .5 .3 .5 4.4

Playoffs

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2010 Phoenix 3 0 4.0 .333 .000 1.000 .7 .3 .3 .0 1.3
2011 Orlando 1 0 6.0 .333 .000 .000 4.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0
2012 Orlando 5 0 17.6 .444 .000 .571 6.6 .2 .4 1.0 4.0
2013 L. A. Lakers 4 1 20.5 .368 .000 .000 3.0 .3 .3 .3 3.5
2015 Brooklyn 2 0 6.5 .200 .667 .000 1.0 .0 .5 .0 3.0
Career 15 1 13.5 .358 .286 .667 3.5 .3 .4 .5 3.1

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Earl Rashad Clark (born January 17, 1988) is an American professional player who has competed in the (NBA), international leagues, the three-on-three league, and other formats such as . A 6-foot-10-inch (2.08 m) forward known for his athleticism and versatility, Clark was selected 14th overall in the by the after a standout college career at the . Over six NBA seasons from 2009 to 2015, he appeared in 261 games across six teams, averaging 4.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, before transitioning to overseas play and alternative professional formats. Born in , Clark developed his skills at Rahway High School, where as a senior he averaged 25.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and five assists per game, leading his team to a sectional championship. At Louisville from 2006 to 2009, he progressed from a reserve role to a key contributor, averaging 14.2 points and 8.7 rebounds in his junior year while helping the Cardinals reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Drafted as a highly touted prospect for his length and shot-blocking ability, Clark debuted with the Suns but faced challenges establishing a consistent role early in his career. Clark's NBA journey included stints with the Suns (2009–2011), (2010–2012), (2012–2013), (2013–2014), [New York Knicks](/page/New_York_N Knicks) (2014), and (2015), where he occasionally showed promise as a bench scorer and rebounder, including a career-high 22 points in a game during the 2012–13 season. After leaving the NBA, he signed with in for the 2016–17 season, contributing to their EuroCup campaign before extending his contract for another year. Subsequent international stops included teams in , , , the , , , , and , with his most recent club being Club Atlético Aguada in Uruguay's Liga Uruguaya de Basketball (as of November 2025). In 2019, Clark entered the league with Tri-State, later becoming co-captain of in 2022 and winning a championship that season; as of the 2025 season, he plays for DMV .

Early career

High school career

Earl Clark was born on January 17, 1988, in . His early interest in was shaped by his family background, with his father having played at and , and his siblings also actively participating in the sport. Growing up in New Jersey's competitive environment further fueled his development as a player. Clark attended Rahway High School in , where he emerged as a standout forward over four years as a starter. During his senior season, he averaged 25.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, leading the team to a 22-8 record and securing the school's first sectional championship. Throughout his high school career, Clark amassed 1,245 total points. His performances earned him significant recognition, including All-State honors and selection as the Senior of the Year in . Clark was also chosen as a 2006 McDonald's All-American, highlighting his status among the nation's top high school prospects. Following high school, he transitioned to the for .

College career

Clark was recruited as a top high school prospect, earning McDonald's All-American honors in 2006 before committing to the , where he played forward for the Cardinals from 2006 to 2009 under head coach . As a in the 2006–07 season, Clark had a limited role off the bench, appearing in 32 games and averaging 5.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks per game while contributing to a Cardinals team that finished 21–10 and earned an NCAA Tournament berth as an eighth seed, though they lost in the first round to Texas A&M. In his year of 2007–08, Clark emerged as a key contributor, starting more regularly and posting averages of 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks across 35 games; his improved production helped Louisville achieve a 27–9 record, secure second place in the , and advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, where they fell to after defeating Boise State and . Clark's junior season in 2008–09 marked his breakout, as he averaged 14.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 37 games, earning All-Big East honors and All-Big East Tournament team recognition while helping the Cardinals claim the Big East regular-season title with a 16–2 conference record, win the Big East Tournament championship, achieve the program's first No. 1 national ranking, and reach the as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament before losing to Michigan State in the semifinals. He also received All-Midwest Regional honors for his performance in the NCAA Tournament. Over his three collegiate seasons, Clark appeared in 104 games, accumulating career averages of 10.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, before declaring for the following his junior year.

NBA career

Phoenix Suns (2009–2010)

Clark was selected by the with the 14th overall pick in the first round of the , valued for his versatile skill set and exceptional athleticism as a 6-foot-10 forward capable of playing multiple positions. On July 10, 2009, he signed a four-year rookie-scale contract worth approximately $8.7 million, including team options for the third and fourth seasons. Clark made his NBA debut on October 28, 2009, against the , entering as a substitute in the Suns' 116-109 victory. During his rookie season in 2009–10, Clark appeared in 51 games off the bench for the Suns, who finished with a 54–28 record and advanced to the Western Conference Finals. He averaged 3.2 points and 1.2 rebounds in 7.8 minutes per game, shooting 37.1% from the field while demonstrating his athletic prowess through explosive dunks and occasional shot-blocking. In the playoffs, Clark received limited exposure, playing in three games for a total of 13 minutes and recording 4 points and 2 rebounds on 33.3% shooting as the Suns fell to the in six games. Clark returned for the 2010–11 season but saw minimal action in the first 23 games, appearing in 9 contests and averaging 3.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 8.0 minutes per game while shooting 38.7% from the field. On December 18, 2010, the Suns traded Clark, along with Jason Richardson and Hedo Türkoğlu, to the Orlando Magic in a six-player deal that brought Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, Mickaël Piétrus, and a future first-round draft pick to Phoenix.

Orlando Magic (2010–2012)

On December 18, 2010, the Orlando Magic acquired Earl Clark from the Phoenix Suns as part of a multi-player trade that also brought Jason Richardson and Hedo Türkoğlu to Orlando in exchange for Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, Mickaël Piétrus, a 2011 first-round draft pick, and cash considerations. This move bolstered the Magic's frontcourt depth during a season where they aimed to contend in the Eastern Conference behind star center Dwight Howard. Clark, a versatile 6-foot-10 forward, transitioned to a reserve role, focusing on energy plays and defensive contributions off the bench under head coach Stan Van Gundy. In his first partial season with the Magic during 2010–11, Clark appeared in 33 games without a start, averaging 4.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 11.9 minutes per game while shooting 44.1% from the field. His athleticism allowed him to provide perimeter defense and rebounding support, helping stabilize rotations amid Orlando's push for playoff positioning. On December 15, 2011, Clark signed a two-year contract extension with the Magic valued at approximately $2.4 million, securing his future with the team through the 2012–13 season. Clark's second season in 2011–12 was marked by increased opportunity early on, but his role diminished later due to team injuries and the protracted trade saga, which created roster instability and distracted from on-court focus. He played in 45 games with one start, averaging 2.7 points and 2.8 rebounds in 12.4 minutes per game on 36.7% shooting; a sore left sidelined him for the final games in April . Despite modest scoring, Clark emerged as a defensive specialist, using his length for shot contesting and switches on the perimeter, earning praise from Van Gundy for his "unlimited potential" in defensive schemes. Over two seasons with Orlando, Clark suited up for 78 games off the bench, totaling 3.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game in 12.1 minutes, with a focus on providing hustle, rebounding, and defensive versatility rather than primary scoring. His contributions helped the maintain competitiveness amid internal turmoil, though limited minutes reflected the depth of a veteran-laden roster. In the wake of the situation, which dominated the 2011–12 offseason, Clark initially declined his $1.24 million player option on June 28, 2012, but reversed course and exercised it on July 1 before being included in the August 10, 2012, four-team blockbuster trade that sent him, , and to the .

Los Angeles Lakers (2012–2013)

On August 10, 2012, Earl Clark was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers from the Orlando Magic as part of a four-team blockbuster deal that also sent Dwight Howard and Chris Duhon to Los Angeles in exchange for players including Nikola Vučević, Moe Harkless, and draft picks from the Lakers, Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, and Denver Nuggets. Entering the 2012–13 season on the final year of his contract after exercising a player option with Orlando, Clark joined a star-studded lineup featuring Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, and Howard under new head coach Mike D'Antoni, who emphasized an up-tempo style reminiscent of the Lakers' historic "Showtime" era. His athleticism and versatility quickly made him a valuable piece, particularly in transition plays where his length and speed complemented the team's push for fast breaks. Injuries to key frontcourt players like elevated Clark to a starting role for 36 of his 59 appearances during the regular season, where he averaged 7.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.7 blocks in 23.1 minutes per game, shooting 44.0% from the field and 33.7% from three-point range. Clark's energy and defensive presence provided a spark off the bench early on before becoming a regular starter, helping stabilize the Lakers amid a turbulent season marked by integration challenges and injuries; notable performances included a career-high 22 points and 13 rebounds against the on January 9, 2013. The Lakers finished the regular season with a 45–37 record, securing the seventh seed in the Western Conference. In the , appeared in all four games of the first-round series against the Spurs, averaging 3.5 points and 3.0 rebounds in 20.5 minutes per game while starting one contest, but the Lakers were swept 4–0. Following the postseason, became an unrestricted ; although the Lakers expressed interest in re-signing him for his contributions, he ultimately agreed to a two-year deal with the .

Cleveland Cavaliers (2013–2014)

On July 4, 2013, Clark agreed to a two-year contract worth $9 million with the , marking his first multiyear deal as a starter following a breakout season with the . The agreement, which included a non-guaranteed second year, positioned Clark as the presumptive starting under head coach Mike Brown, with expectations that his athleticism and versatility would bolster the team's young core around . In the 2013–14 season, Clark appeared in 45 games for the Cavaliers, making 17 starts while averaging 15.6 minutes per game. He contributed 5.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game, shooting 41.8% from the field overall. Clark opened the season as the starting but was quickly benched after six games due to unproductive performances, including low scoring efficiency and defensive lapses. His role diminished further amid inconsistent play and the acquisition of in January 2014, leading to sporadic bench minutes thereafter. On February 20, 2014, ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the Cavaliers traded Clark, center Henry Sims, and two second-round draft picks (Philadelphia's own and Miami's) to the in exchange for center , as part of a roster reconfiguration to add frontcourt depth and flexibility amid ongoing rebuild efforts around Irving. Clark was waived by the 76ers the following day without appearing in a game for the team. The move reflected Cleveland's shifting priorities following the firing of general manager Chris Grant earlier that month and amid speculation about major free-agency pursuits, including the eventual return of in July. Clark did not appear in the , as the Cavaliers finished the season 33–49 and missed the postseason.

New York Knicks (2014)

On February 27, 2014, the signed forward Earl Clark to a 10-day contract following his waiver by the after being traded there from the earlier that month. The move came as the Knicks sought to add forward depth and defensive versatility amid a midseason roster shakeup that included waiving Metta World Peace and , aiming to bolster their lineup during a challenging 2013–14 campaign where they held a 23–34 record at the time. Clark appeared in four games during his initial stint, providing limited bench minutes without securing a starting role. On March 10, 2014, the Knicks extended him a second 10-day contract, allowing him to play in five more regular-season games. Overall, across the nine games with New York, Clark averaged 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 8.6 minutes per game, shooting 33.3% from the field, while contributing modestly on defense but rarely factoring into the rotation amid the team's push for a playoff spot. His contract expired without further extension at the conclusion of the second 10-day deal in late March 2014, after which Clark departed the Knicks. Despite the additions like Clark, New York clinched the Eastern Conference's seventh seed but offered him no role in their first-round playoff series, where they were swept 4–0 by the .

Brooklyn Nets (2015)

In March 2015, following a stint in , Earl Clark signed a 10-day contract with the to provide frontcourt depth amid injuries, including Thaddeus Young's knee sprain recovery. During this initial period, he appeared in five games, averaging 4.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 12.3 minutes per game off the bench. On April 6, 2015, the Nets converted Clark's contract to a multi-year deal, allowing him to remain with the team for the remainder of the 2014–15 season. In total, Clark played 10 regular-season games for , contributing 2.7 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in 9.3 minutes of action, primarily as a versatile forward option. He also featured in two Eastern Conference First Round playoff games against the , averaging 1.5 points while shooting 1-for-3 from three-point range. Clark's time with the Nets ended on August 10, 2015, when the team waived him from his non-guaranteed contract prior to the 2015–16 ; he did not appear in any preseason . This release, at age 27, effectively concluded his NBA career, as he transitioned to G League and international play without returning to .

G League career

Rio Grande Valley Vipers (2014)

Following his waiver by the on October 27, 2014, Clark was designated as an allocated player to the NBA D-League's Iowa Energy before being traded to the —the Rockets' affiliate—on November 1, 2014, as part of a five-team transaction involving multiple players and draft . In his brief tenure with the Vipers spanning and early December 2014, Clark appeared in six regular-season games, averaging 26.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists over 34.3 minutes per game. His scoring output highlighted versatility, blending efficient three-point shooting (40.4% in ), drives to the basket for points in the paint, and frequent trips to the free-throw line (averaging 4.7 attempts per game early in the season). For alone, he earned NBA D-League Player of the Month honors, averaging 28.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks in four starts to help the Vipers start 4-0 in those games en route to a 4-3 overall mark. Clark's release from the Vipers came on December 10, 2014, allowing him to pursue an overseas opportunity and rebuild momentum after limited NBA action the prior year.

Bakersfield Jam (2015–2016)

After being waived by the during the 2015 offseason, Clark signed with the G League's before being traded to the Bakersfield Jam on November 2, 2015, in exchange for a 2016 third-round pick. He spent the early portion of the 2015–16 season with the Jam, affiliated with the , appearing in 22 games. In those contests, Clark averaged 20.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game across 35.5 minutes of play. He shot 39.8% from the field, 36.2% from three-point range (on 2.3 attempts per game), and 71.4% from the free-throw line. As the team's leading scorer, Clark provided key offensive leadership, using his athleticism and versatility as a 6-foot-10 forward to facilitate plays and protect the rim. Clark's tenure with the Jam highlighted his continued pursuit of an NBA return, but he received no call-up from the Suns or any other team during the season. His productive G League stint served as extended preparation for subsequent professional opportunities.

Delaware 87ers (2016)

On January 16, 2016, Clark was traded from the Bakersfield to the 87ers, the NBA Development League affiliate of the , in exchange for the returning player rights to Tristan Spurlock and a 2016 second-round pick. This move came midway through the 2015–16 season, positioning Clark to continue his professional career in the United States' top minor league. In 11 games with the 87ers, Clark averaged 15.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 28.2 minutes per game, while shooting 47.3% from the field and a remarkable 48.6% from three-point range. His efficient scoring and rebounding helped bolster the team's frontcourt, particularly as a versatile forward drawing on his prior NBA experience from teams like the Lakers and Knicks. Clark's tenure provided a veteran presence for the developing roster, contributing steady production in limited action before being waived on March 19, 2016, to open opportunities abroad. This brief stint effectively concluded his G League career.

International career

Shandong Golden Stars (2014–2015)

After being waived by the in February 2014 and subsequently playing for the in the NBA Development League, Earl Clark signed with the Shandong Golden Stars of China's (CBA) on December 10, 2014. This move came after negotiations with the fell through, leading Clark to pursue opportunities overseas for the remainder of the 2014–15 CBA season. In 19 regular-season games with , Clark averaged 26.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while playing 32.9 minutes per contest. He shot 44.4% from the field (116-of-261 attempts), 45.2% from three-point range (66-of-146), and 80.2% from the free-throw line (77-of-96), contributing significantly to the team's offense as one of their key imports alongside . Clark's scoring prowess was highlighted by a career-high 39 points in a January 7, 2015, loss to the DoubleStar Eagles. Clark's stint in the CBA represented his debut in Asian professional basketball, where he provided scoring and rebounding depth for , who finished the in 11th place with an 18–20 record and did not qualify for the . His performance overseas drew attention from NBA teams, leading to a 10-day with the in March 2015.

Beşiktaş (2016–2018)

After being released by the Delaware 87ers of the NBA Development League in July 2016, Clark signed a one-year contract with Turkish club of the (BSL) on August 18, 2016. In the 2016–17 season, Clark averaged 13.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in the BSL, while posting 13.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in 16 appearances in the Basketball Champions League. He was selected to play in the 2017 Turkish League , recognizing his impact as a versatile forward. Clark's two-way contributions helped finish second in the BSL regular season and reach the playoffs, where they advanced to the semifinals before falling to Fenerbahçe. Clark re-signed with on July 3, 2017, for the 2017–18 season. During this campaign, he averaged 11.5 points and 5.5 rebounds across 65 combined games in the BSL and European competitions over his two years with the club, showcasing his ability to adapt to the faster European style of play. Valued for his defensive versatility and scoring efficiency inside the arc, Clark provided key energy off the bench and in starting lineups, contributing to 's fourth-place regular-season finish and quarterfinal playoff appearance.

Budućnost VOLI (2018–2019)

In June 2018, Earl Clark signed a one-year contract with Budućnost VOLI of the Montenegrin League, marking his return to European basketball following two seasons with in . During the 2018–19 season, Clark provided versatile forward play for Budućnost across multiple competitions. In the , he appeared in 30 games, averaging 12 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while contributing 1.3 assists and 0.8 steals, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor with 30.8% three-point shooting. In the , Clark started all 29 regular-season games, logging 27.5 minutes per contest and averaging 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 0.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks, with a defensive presence highlighted by his perimeter disruption and shot-blocking for a forward. His scoring efficiency included 38.8% from three-point range on 3.6 attempts per game. Clark's contributions helped Budućnost achieve strong results domestically and regionally. The team advanced to the Finals, defeating Cedevita in the semifinals before falling to Crvena zvezda 3–2 in the championship series. Budućnost also secured the Montenegrin League title and the National Cup, with Clark playing a key role in their 13–4 league record and cup triumph. Despite a challenging 6–24 finish in the regular season, Clark's consistent output on both ends underscored his value as a defensive specialist and scorer.

San Pablo Burgos (2019–2020)

In July 2019, Earl Clark signed a one-year contract with San Pablo Burgos of the Spanish and the (BCL), bringing his experience from the with Budućnost VOLI the previous season. Clark appeared in 23 games for San Pablo Burgos in the ACB during the 2019–20 season, averaging 12.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 30.8% from three-point range. In the BCL, he played 15 games, contributing 12.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per contest with a 34.4% three-point shooting percentage. His scoring and rebounding helped the team secure a strong position in the BCL standings before the season's interruption. San Pablo Burgos qualified for the BCL Final Eight tournament thanks in part to Clark's performances, including earning Gameday 14 MVP honors in February 2020. However, both the ACB and BCL seasons were suspended in March 2020 due to the . The club and Clark mutually agreed to terminate his contract on May 15, 2020, without an extension, as travel restrictions prevented his return for resumed activities; the team went on to win the BCL title in October 2020 without him.

Anyang KGC (2020)

In June 2020, following the suspension of the 2019–20 ACB season due to the during his tenure with San Pablo Burgos, Clark signed with KGC of the for the 2020–21 season. Clark contributed as a key forward for KGC early in the campaign, appearing in 21 regular-season games and providing versatile scoring and defensive presence. His averages included 14.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game, helping stabilize the team's frontcourt rotation amid the league's competitive balance. On December 22, 2020, Clark mutually parted ways with KGC to return to , ending his brief stint in after the first half of the regular season.

Gran Canaria (2020–2021)

In December 2020, Earl Clark signed with of the Spanish for the remainder of the 2020–21 season, marking his return to European after a stint with KGC in 's , where the team he joined went on to claim the league championship that year. Clark appeared in 4 regular-season games for in the ACB, averaging 8.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game while shooting 54.2% from the field. In the EuroCup, he played 2 games, contributing averages of 3.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game with a 37.5% . The 2020–21 season was heavily impacted by the , with navigating strict health protocols amid a condensed schedule; as a veteran forward with extensive professional experience, Clark provided leadership to the squad during this challenging period. finished the ACB regular season in 10th place with an 18–16 record, qualifying for the playoffs before being eliminated in the quarterfinals by Real Madrid. In the EuroCup, the team advanced to the quarterfinals but fell to AS Monaco in a three-game series.

NLEX Road Warriors (2022)

In August 2022, following his departure from European basketball, Earl Clark signed with the of the (PBA) as their import for the 2022–23 Commissioner's Cup. The 34-year-old former NBA forward brought his athleticism and versatility to the team, aiming to bolster their frontcourt in the import-laden conference. Clark quickly made an impact, leading NLEX in scoring throughout the tournament while showcasing his rebounding prowess and highlight-reel dunks. Over 13 games in the classification round and , he averaged 32.3 points, 15.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, with standout performances including a career-high 45 points and 16 rebounds against TNT Tropang Giga on October 19 and another 45-point outing versus on November 18. His dominant rebounding helped NLEX control the boards in several contests, such as grabbing a conference-high 25 rebounds twice—against Blackwater Elite on September 30 and on October 23—while his explosive dunks, notably in matchups against , energized crowds and highlighted his NBA-honed athletic ability. Despite NLEX finishing with a 5-8 record and missing the quarterfinals after a 110-100 loss to on December 4—where Clark tallied 37 points and 16 rebounds—the Road Warriors showed competitiveness in key wins, including upsets over TNT and . Clark's contract with NLEX concluded at the end of the Commissioner's Cup, after which he pursued opportunities back in the United States.

Gigantes de Carolina (2023)

In February 2023, Earl Clark signed with Gigantes de Carolina of Puerto Rico's (BSN) following his release from the in the , adding veteran forward depth to the roster for the remainder of the 2023 season. Clark appeared in 27 games for Gigantes de Carolina, averaging 28.1 minutes, 14.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per while shooting 51.1% from the field, 43.5% from three-point range, and 80.6% from the free-throw line. His efficient scoring and rebounding helped anchor the team's frontcourt in the fast-paced BSN style, where games often emphasize quick transitions and perimeter play. In the , played a pivotal role as Gigantes de Carolina advanced through the quarterfinals against , the semifinals versus Mets de Guaynabo, and ultimately won the BSN championship by defeating 4-1 in the finals, securing the title with an 80-60 victory in Game 5 on July 27, 2023.

(2023–2025)

In October 2023, Earl Clark signed a contract with the Lioneers of Taiwan's P.League+, marking his entry into Asian professional basketball following a stint in Puerto Rico's with Gigantes de Carolina. He joined the team's shortly thereafter and wore jersey number 6 during his tenure. During the 2023–24 season, Clark emerged as a key contributor for the Lioneers, averaging 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game across 30 appearances while providing versatile forward play on both ends of the court. His rebounding prowess led the team, helping secure a playoff spot and advance to the semifinals, where they faced the . On September 13, 2024, Clark re-signed with the Lioneers for the ensuing campaign, solidifying his role as a foundational import player. In the 2024–25 season, Clark maintained his status as a consistent starter, posting averages of 18.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game over the regular season despite the team's overall struggles, which resulted in a seventh-place finish and no playoff qualification. His scoring efficiency and leadership on the floor were highlighted in multiple outings, including a 22-point, 9-rebound performance against the Mars in November 2024. Clark departed the Lioneers after the conclusion of the 2024–25 campaign upon the expiration of his contract, having helped foster a competitive environment during his two-year stay.

Club Atlético Aguada (2025–present)

In September 2025, Earl Clark signed with Club Atlético Aguada of Uruguay's Liga Uruguaya de Básquetbol (LUB), marking his return to professional following the expiration of his contract with the . The 37-year-old , standing at 6'10", was announced as a key addition to the team's roster on September 20, bringing his extensive international experience to bolster Aguada's frontcourt. As a prominent import player, Clark has quickly become integral to Aguada's offensive and defensive schemes in the 2025–26 LUB season. As of November 13, 2025, he has appeared in nine games, averaging 21.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per contest. His efficiency rating stands at 20.0 per game, highlighting his impact as a versatile scorer and rebounder. For instance, on October 24, 2025, Clark contributed 28 minutes in a 94–82 victory over Malvín, aiding Aguada's push in the standings where the team currently holds fifth place with a competitive record. Clark remains under contract with Aguada through the conclusion of the 2025–26 , with his performances helping the club maintain contention in the LUB's regular phase.

Other appearances

BIG3

Earl Clark entered the league in 2019 with Tri-State. In 2022, Clark joined team as co-captain for the . He appeared in all 10 games, posting averages of 14.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game while leading the league in rebounding at 8.6 per game. His defensive prowess earned him the BIG3 Defensive Player of the Year award, highlighted by a league-record 14 steals for the single season and 11 blocks, second overall in the league. Clark's contributions propelled to the championship, defeating the Power 51-35 in the finale at in . In the title game, he tallied 22 points, eight rebounds, one steal, and four blocks, helping secure Trilogy's third championship and second consecutive title. This success came amid Clark's concurrent stint with the in the . Clark continued with in subsequent seasons, earning Defensive Player of the Year again in 2023. As of 2025, he plays for DMV Trilogy.

The Basketball Tournament (2025)

In May 2025, Earl Clark signed with The Ville, the alumni team, for his debut in (TBT), marking a return to his college roots where he played from 2006 to 2009. This one-off appearance came after his stint with the Hsinchu Toplus Lioneers in , providing an opportunity to compete in the summer exhibition event before rejoining professional play. Clark started in The Ville's first-round matchup on July 19, 2025, against Boston vs. Cancer at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky, contributing to a 91-71 victory that advanced the team to the Round of 32. In 11 minutes of play, he recorded 2 points on 2-of-2 free throws, 5 rebounds (all defensive), and 1 assist, though he struggled with 0-of-5 field goal shooting (0-of-2 from three-point range) and fouled out with 5 personal fouls. Clark was unavailable for the subsequent Round of 32 game on July 20 against Sideline Cancer due to scheduling conflicts with the league, where The Ville fell 73-63 and was eliminated early from the . Prior to the opener, he discussed his excitement for in a July 15 , highlighting the camaraderie among Louisville and the thrill of playing at . The team did not reach the championship, falling short of the $1 million prize.

Career statistics

NBA regular season

Earl Clark's NBA regular-season career spanned six seasons from 2009–10 to 2014–15, during which he appeared in 261 games for the , , , , , and . As a versatile forward, Clark primarily served as a bench contributor, averaging 14.0 minutes per game while providing scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence off the bench. His role expanded during the 2012–13 season with the Lakers, where he started 36 games and achieved career highs in scoring and rebounding. The following table summarizes Clark's per-game regular-season statistics by season:
SeasonTeam(s)GGSMPFG%3P%FT%PTSTRBASTSTLBLK
2009–10PHO5107.5.371.400.7222.71.20.40.10.3
2010–11PHO/ORL42011.0.430.000.5743.92.40.20.20.4
2011–12ORL45112.4.367.7242.72.80.40.30.7
2012–13LAL593623.1.440.337.6977.35.51.10.60.7
2013–14CLE/NYK541714.2.372.336.6474.82.60.30.30.5
2014–15BRK1009.3.367.286.2502.72.30.30.30.4
Career2615414.0.406.333.6614.43.00.50.30.5
Source: Basketball-Reference.com Clark's career regular-season totals include 1,138 points, 778 rebounds, 134 assists, 83 steals, and 136 blocks. His scoring output peaked at 7.3 with the Lakers in –13, reflecting increased playing time and utilization in a fast-paced offense, while his rebounding average reached 5.5 that season. In advanced metrics, Clark posted a career player efficiency rating (PER) of 9.9 and win shares per 48 minutes (WS/48) of 0.032, indicating solid but not elite efficiency as a role player. His PER reached a high of 12.4 in 2012–13, correlating with his best statistical season. Clark's shooting efficiency varied by distance throughout his career, with stronger performance on close-range attempts compared to perimeter shots. For instance, in his 2012–13 season, he converted 62.9% of field-goal attempts from 0–3 feet while shooting 33.7% from three-point range; overall, his career three-point percentage stood at 33.3% on limited volume. These splits highlight his effectiveness as a finisher near the basket but challenges as a long-range shooter.

NBA playoffs

Earl Clark appeared in 15 NBA playoff games across five postseasons with four teams: the 2010 Phoenix Suns, the 2011 and 2012 Orlando Magic, the 2013 Los Angeles Lakers, and the 2015 Brooklyn Nets. His career playoff totals included 46 points, 53 rebounds, and 4 assists over 201 minutes of play. Averaging 13.5 minutes per game, Clark posted 3.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.3 assists while shooting 35.8% from the field (19-of-53). In the 2010 playoffs, Clark's role was minimal with the Suns, who reached the Western Conference Finals after defeating the in the first round and sweeping the in the semifinals; he played just three games in the opening series against Portland, totaling 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in 12 minutes across those contests. The following year with the Magic, his participation was limited to one first-round game against the , where he recorded 2 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist in 6 minutes. Clark saw more action in 2012 during Orlando's first-round loss to the , appearing in all five games for averages of 4.0 points and 6.6 rebounds in 17.6 minutes; his standout effort came in Game 1 with 6 points, 9 rebounds, and a playoff-career-high 4 blocks. With the 2013 Lakers, Clark played all four games of their first-round sweep by the Spurs, averaging 3.5 points and 3.0 rebounds in 20.4 minutes, including a start in Game 4 where he tallied 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 31 minutes. His final NBA playoff stint came in 2015 with the Nets, limited to two games in their first-round defeat to the Hawks, where he averaged 3.0 points in 6.5 minutes. Overall, Clark's playoff contributions reflected his reserve status, with no team advancing beyond the first round during his more significant appearances.

References

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