Ian Clark: ‘I Couldn't Do Too Much of That in Golden State'

Ian Clark is no longer on the Warriors.

It took him awhile to find a new home, but on Aug. 1, Clark agreed to terms on a one-year minimum deal (just below $1.6 million) with New Orleans.

"Being able to show what I can do in the minutes I get, I want to be able to expand on that this year," Clark told the Pelicans' team website. "I want to show that I can do that in extended minutes and be consistent at it, and help my team win, whether that's on the defensive or offensive end.

"I want to show that it wasn't just because of that team."

Oh yes. "That team." The 2016-17 Warriors -- who went 67-15 during the regular season and nearly swept through the playoffs.

Clark averaged 6.8 points and 1.2 assists over 14.8 minutes per game last year.

He will have an opportunity to carve out a bigger role with the Pelicans.

"Utilizing my shooting and scoring ability is something I do well," Clark said. "I've never really been a true point guard, but handling the ball and initiating offense are things I can do. I couldn't do too much of that in Golden State, but that's how I view myself.

"Also being able to defend multiple positions is important. Obviously there are bigger wings in the league, so being able to make sure I can defend different matchups is something that can help the team.

"I'll do whatever the team needs. It all depends on the lineups we have on the floor. We have other guys here who are pure point guards who can play that position very well, but also slide over to the two."

When Clark says, "obviously there are bigger wings in the league," it's both factual and important to keep in mind as it relates to the Warriors' roster.

Steve Kerr recently told Marcus Thompson of The Athletic:

"We're going to miss Ian (Clark). We love Ian, and he fit in so well. But we had a chance to get bigger at that position and, as you know, we love our 6-7 guys."

Warriors fans will get their first look at Clark in a Pelicans uniform early in the season, as Golden State plays at New Orleans on Oct. 20 -- the second game of the season.

Drew Shiller is the co-host of Warriors Outsiders and a Web Producer at NBC Sports Bay Area. Follow him on Twitter @DrewShiller

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