NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The writing is on the wall. Hell, it’s cemented in the pavement. The 2022-23 NBA season is when Jordan Clarkson becomes an All-Star for the Utah Jazz. With Rudy Gobert and Donavon Mitchell traded, this easily becomes Clarkson’s team. Yes, the trade for Mitchell snagged Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen, but it’s Clarkson who will benefit the most.
Last season, Clarkson, in a reserved role averaged 16.0 points 2.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds while shooting .419 percent from the floor. Not the best percentage numbers but Clarkson is not afraid to take shots. In his 27.1 minutes per game, Clarkson attempted 14.1 shots per game (2nd on the team). His goal when he got in, was to score.
There’s still no word on what the Jazz will do with Clarkson this season. Maybe they keep him, perhaps he’s moved. But why would the Jazz do this? To say they’re in full rebuild mode would be foolish. Sexton averaged 24.3 points and 4.4 assists for the 2020 season before he went down with his injury. Markkanen was set to become the face of the Chicago Bulls at one point and even he in averaged 14.8 points and 5.7 rebounds for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season.
The Jazz have options on offense. And to make things better for Clarkson’s chances, let’s remember he’s about to hit the prime of his career at the at of 30. The kid is young and hungry. Clarkson spent time with the Los Angeles Lakers when Kobe was still a player. In all respect, the team should have been handed down to him but the Buss family was too eager to land LeBron James so, that young core was broken up before they even had a chance.
Not, this is the season Jordan Clarkson has been waiting for since he was drafted back in 2014.
While Sexton will draw attention, Clarkson already has a fanbase in Utah. The coaching staff understands what he’s capable of. Will he start this season beside Sexton? If he does, Jordan Clarkson could easily emerge as an All-Star level talent. 27 minutes in a reserve role with Gobert, Mike Conley Jr, and Mitchell on the roster. The offense will need to come from somewhere with two of them gone.
Jordan Clarkson Can Carry The Weight
While Conley is still on the roster (for now), the Jazz will have to rely on Clarkson’s veteran leadership. Someone needs to take the tough shots. In his three years in Utah, he has been to the playoffs each season so he’s already battle-tested. This roster the Jazz will throw on the floor this coming season will need everything Clarkson has to offer.
Even if Conley stays with the team until the trade deadline, Clarkson will still have his role as a Sixth Man. But a brief look over his career and last season will show that 2021 wasn’t even his best in a Jazz inform. During the 2020-21 campaign, Clarkson averaged 18.4 points. The scoring is definitely there. What was missing for Clarkson was the opportunity.
Playing 26+ minutes is a lot but imagine what a player of his scoring caliber could do if given starter minutes.
Here is a fun fact here. By trading Gobert, the Jazz were able to land Malik Beasley. Beasley equals instant offense off the bench as well. Having these two players fighting for reserve minutes is not the ideal situation. So, there is a good possibility that the Jazz could start Clarkson at SF if Conley continues in the lead PG role.
Trying to follow and predict the Jazz lineup is frustrating with so many rumors and possibilities floating around. Many expect the Jazz to shop Conley. The same goes for Bojan Bogdanovic and possibly Clarkson. If that happens, then yes, the full rebuild is on. The Jazz can still contend with what they have. What it boils down to are lineup foundations.
Clarkson can become the main scorer on this team but he’s not starting. There are fans who want to see the rookie Walker Kessler move into the starting 5 spot. But why? Let this young kid learn and move Markkanen over to the 5 and put Bogdanovic in the stretch 4. This will maximize the Jazz best chances.
Jordan Clarkson has waited his time to step into the spotlight. He’s already mentioned as one of the best reserves in the NBA. Now is the time for him to be mentioned as one of the best in the league, period.
