Born in Conway, Arkansas, Clark grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and joined the United States Army after high school.

In his 10-season (1966–1976) NBA career, Clark played for the Lakers, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Baltimore/Capital Bullets, the Seattle SuperSonics, and the Detroit Pistons.

In 1968, Clark was part of the trade (together with Darrall Imhoff and Jerry Chambers) that brought Wilt Chamberlain to the Lakers.

He was acquired along with a 1973 second-round selection (19th overall–Louie Nelson) and cash by the Baltimore Bullets from the 76ers for Kevin Loughery and Fred Carter on October 17, 1971.

[3] He was dealt from the Washington Bullets to the SuperSonics for Dick Gibbs and a 1975 third-round pick (48th overall–Tom Kropp) on August 19, 1974.