Jordan Clarkson: Jazz Support “Has Meant The World To Me”

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Jazz don’t know when their season will end. With a suddenly red-hot Donovan Mitchell and an ultra-confident roster, the team appears poised to close out the Denver Nuggets in short order. When the offseason does come, in addition to offering Mitchell a contract extension, guard Jordan Clarkson will also be one of the team’s top priorities to return.

Clarkson is the Jazz most prized unrestricted free-agent, able to sign with any bidder, regardless of the team’s preference. But while the Jazz may face stiff competition for Clarkson’s services, coach Quin Snyder may be the team’s ace in the hole.

JC with 21 points 👏 pic.twitter.com/c1bNopUWWT

— utahjazz (@utahjazz) August 24, 2020

Clarkson And Snyder’s Relationship With Jazz

The high-scoring sixth man has flourished in a Jazz uniform. After being acquired on December 23, Clarkson found an immediate role to bring much-needed scoring to the Jazz stagnant second unit. But while his role on an NBA hasn’t changed from his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and now the Jazz, his relationship with Snyder seems to be a radical change.

“Him having my back has meant the world to me,” Clarkson said. “Makes me want to go out and just run through a wall for him.”

Clarkson hit the ground running in Utah, playing 20 minutes in his first game with the team. The guard scored 19 points in his second outing, before scoring 20 in the Jazz best regular-season win against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Jordan Clarkson with 19 off the bench in the Jazz 120-107 win over the Clippers. It's just two games but Clarkson looks like the spark the Jazz bench needed. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/dw6u83dXTt

— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) December 29, 2019

After a rough debut playoff performance in the Cavaliers Finals run in 2018, Clarkson has found his footing in Snyder’s rotation. In four games, the sixth man is averaging 19.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, while shooting 50 percent from the floor and 35 percent from the three-point line.

“For me to had his impact with his team has been great,” Clarkson said. “It’s a blessing. You know I’m just happy for the opportunity.”

Jordan Clarkson has a few simple, very human desires for the All Star break. pic.twitter.com/8xQPCWIWV1

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) February 13, 2020

Snyder said Clarkson’s contributions for the Jazz go well beyond the floor.

“He’s a selfless guy. He’s had a huge impact on our team our chemistry,” Snyder said. “Our connection — everybody likes JC. It’s more than likes him, I think people appreciate him, and it’s not often you get to a coach a guy that’s as authentic as he is.”

Clarkson has reset his three best playoff scoring performance during the Jazz first-round series with Denver. Clarkson has highs of 18 points, 24 points, and 26 against the Nuggets.

The Jazz and Nuggets tip-off Tuesday in game five at 4:30 pm MT. The game will be broadcast nationally on TNT and locally on AT&T SportsNet.