Jaylen Clark has been one of those under-the-radar bright spots for the Timberwolves this season - a player whose hustle and defensive grit have earned him the respect of fans and teammates alike. His ability to pressure the ball, stay in front of his man, and bring energy off the bench gave Minnesota a jolt in key moments. For much of the year, it looked like he was carving out a steady role in Chris Finch’s rotation.
But the NBA moves fast, and the Wolves’ trade deadline acquisition of Ayo Dosunmu has shifted the landscape. Two games into Dosunmu’s tenure in Minnesota, Clark’s minutes have taken a noticeable dip - just under nine total minutes combined in those outings, down from his season average of 13.1 per game. That’s a significant drop, and it could be a sign of things to come.
Why the rotation squeeze is real
It’s not that Clark has done anything wrong. In fact, his defense has been a real asset - he’s holding opponents to just 41.8% shooting from the field, a strong number that reflects his ability to stick with ball-handlers and take pressure off defenders like Jaden McDaniels. His energy has been a boost for the second unit, and his motor never seems to stop.
But Dosunmu brings a similar defensive edge - point-of-attack toughness, quick feet, and the kind of intensity that fits right into Minnesota’s defensive identity. The key difference?
Dosunmu is simply more developed on the offensive end. He’s a more confident ball-handler, a better shooter, and offers more versatility in half-court sets.
That offensive polish makes him a more complete option, especially in tight games where every possession counts.
And the competition for backcourt minutes is only getting tighter.
More bodies, fewer minutes
Second-year wing Terrence Shannon Jr. is expected to return after the All-Star break. While his production has been inconsistent, when healthy, he’s been part of Finch’s regular rotation. If Shannon slides back into his usual role, that’s another player who could push Clark further down the depth chart.
Then there’s the impending return of veteran point guard Mike Conley, who remains a steadying presence and a key piece of the Wolves’ playoff aspirations. With Conley back in the fold, the backcourt rotation becomes even more crowded, making it harder to justify minutes for a young player still finding his offensive footing.
The offense is the hurdle
Clark’s defense speaks for itself - he’s already shown he can be a disruptive on-ball defender at the NBA level. But his offensive game is still a work in progress.
He’s averaging just 3.8 points and 0.6 assists per game, with shooting splits of 42.5% from the field, 28.6% from three, and 62.7% from the free-throw line. Those numbers paint a clear picture: Clark isn’t yet a reliable scoring threat, and he doesn’t offer much in terms of creation or playmaking.
That’s the challenge for a defensive specialist in today’s league. If you can’t space the floor or contribute meaningfully on offense, it’s tough to stay on the court - especially on a team with playoff ambitions.
Still early in the journey
The good news? Clark is just 24 years old and technically in his second NBA season after missing his rookie year with an Achilles injury.
This is still the early phase of his development, and his defensive instincts give him a strong foundation to build on. If he can improve his shooting and add a bit more offensive versatility, there’s a real path for him to become a valuable two-way role player in this league.
For now, though, it looks like Clark will have to bide his time. The Wolves are deep, especially in the backcourt, and the rotation is tightening as the postseason approaches.
That doesn’t mean his story is over - far from it. But for the rest of this season, Clark may find himself on the outside looking in when it comes to consistent minutes.
And in the NBA, sometimes it’s about staying ready for when your number’s called again. Clark’s defense makes him a guy worth keeping tabs on - because if the offense catches up, he won’t be waiting long.