Jordan Clarkson Finding Success With Floater

SALT LAKE CITY – It might surprise you that even with his lower shooting percentages this year, Jordan Clarkson is shooting the floater nearly as well as any player in the NBA this season.

A recent post by Todd Whitehead from Synergy Sports showed where the Utah Jazz guard’s signature push shot ranks among the rest of the league.

The guard’s troubles are due to a lack of efficiency where his effective field goal percentage has dropped to just .495, the third-lowest number of his career.

Though his points, rebounds, and assist numbers are nearly identical to his career averages, his scoring is not coming as easily.

His floater, however, has been a different story.

Who has the best float game in the NBA? pic.twitter.com/0qoLPt3jJW

— Todd Whitehead (@CrumpledJumper) March 7, 2022

As the high-usage guard’s three-point shooting has dipped from 34 percent last year to 31 percent this season, Clarkson has used his floater better than any other guard in the league.

Clarkson ranks third in the NBA overall behind only Richaun Holmes and Nikola Jokic, and ahead of stars who are known for their floaters like Doncic, Ja Morant, James Harden, and Trae Young.

It’s likely been Clarkson’s saving grace this season as his shooting percentages have dropped from last season between 0-3 feet, 3-10 feet, and anywhere beyond 16 feet.

The one spot his shooting has improved this year is from 10-16 feet where he’s shooting a career-best 52 percent.

“It’s not an easy shot, but it’s one that he’s confident and we’re confident in him taking,” Snyder said.

.@JordanClarksons was a bright spot for the @utahjazz after finishing with 19 PTS in Dallas. ✨#NBA75 pic.twitter.com/MCBdjsnDDn

— NBA Philippines (@NBA_Philippines) March 8, 2022

However, upping Clarkson’s efficiency isn’t as simple as just asking him to take more floaters in the paint.

“As he’s continued to knock down threes, and he’s willing to take that shot, it opens up the lane for him,” Snyder said.

Floaters are notoriously difficult because of the number of defenders in the paint, and the deft touch needed to knock it down. But Snyder said another part of Clarkson’s game is key to his success.

“He’s creative in there, no question, and he’s strong.”

Jordan Clarkson's shot chat is pretty interesting.

There are two areas from three where he's really struggled, and his long mid range hasn't worked.

But he's been just fine in the corners, and elite in the close mid range. pic.twitter.com/9XqLiJvr84

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) March 8, 2022

Clarkson showed off his floater in the Jazz 111-103 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. The Jazz’s sixth man knocked down 4-7 floaters as he repeatedly got into the teeth of the Mavericks’ defense.

With Mike Conley’s recent struggles to score the ball, Clarkson’s scoring is going to take on added importance in the final month of the season.

If Clarkson can continue to get to his spots inside the arc, h can be a valuable asset for the Jazz, despite his struggles shooting the ball elsewhere.

Follow @benshoops