Earl Clark
A versatile 6'10" forward whose tantalizing NBA potential flickered across multiple teams in a journeyman's career.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American basketball player·Birthday: January 17·Millennials
Biography
Earl Clark entered the league wrapped in the promise of a modern basketball unicorn—a long, agile big man who could handle the ball, shoot from outside, and protect the rim. Drafted in the lottery by the Phoenix Suns, he seemed a perfect fit for their fast-paced system. Yet, like many players of his prototype, finding a consistent role proved elusive. He became a basketball nomad, packing his bags for Orlando, Los Angeles (with both the Lakers and Clippers), Cleveland, New York, and Brooklyn. His moments of brilliance were undeniable: a crucial stretch with the Lakers in 2013 where he started 36 games and showcased his diverse skill set, or a 20-rebound game for the Cavaliers. But those flashes never solidified into a permanent fixture. Clark’s career embodies the challenging gap between physical tools and sustained NBA production, a talented piece that many teams tried but couldn't quite fit into their long-term puzzle.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Earl was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Earl Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Earl's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected 14th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns.
- Started 36 games for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2012-13 season, averaging career highs in points and rebounds.
- Recorded a 20-rebound game for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014.
- Played a key role in the University of Louisville's run to the NCAA Elite Eight in 2009.
Did You Know?
In high school, he was named New Jersey's Player of the Year in 2006.
Clark played professionally in China for the Jiangsu Dragons after his NBA career.
He was teammates with Kobe Bryant during his stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.
His cousin, Rudy Gay, is also a longtime NBA player.
“My game was always about versatility, but the league kept asking 'what's your position?”
