Averaging 17+3+5! Why is the 32-Year-Old Clarkson Unwanted?

Recently, the Jazz's beat writer Andy Larsen from the Salt Lake Tribune reported that Jordan Clarkson has surprisingly attracted no interest in the trade market. Larsen mentioned, "Clarkson needs a bounce-back season because his efficiency was poor last year. So far, no other NBA team has shown interest in trading for him."

The Jazz's Rebuilding Dilemma

Since trading away Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert two years ago, the Jazz have been in a state of rebuilding. However, their rebuild has been anything but straightforward. There are two primary reasons for this:

1. Lauri Markkanen's Sudden Emergence: Markkanen's unexpected rise has created uncertainty about the future, leaving the team's performance in limbo and preventing a full commitment to tanking.

   

2. Danny Ainge's High Standards: Ainge has struggled to find a suitable young cornerstone player, especially in what is considered a historically weak draft year.

Despite these challenges, the situation may soon change. Next season, Markkanen will enter the final year of his contract. Meanwhile, with high-profile prospects like Cameron Boozer and Cooper Flagg entering the draft over the next two years, the Jazz might fully commit to a rebuilding strategy. This makes the handling of role players like Clarkson crucial for accumulating draft assets.

Clarkson's Contract and Performance

Clarkson's situation is particularly noteworthy. Despite having a standout performance in the 2022-23 season, where he played 61 games and averaged career highs in points (20.8), rebounds (4.0), and assists (4.4), his stock has plummeted. The Jazz rewarded him with a three-year, $55 million contract extension, set to run through the 2025-26 season. However, after signing this extension, Clarkson's performance notably declined last season. He played 55 games, averaging 17.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists with shooting splits of 41.3% from the field, 29.4% from three, and 88.1% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage fell to 52.1%.

Clarkson’s three-point shooting, which should be his primary weapon, fell below 30%. Coupled with his mediocre finishing ability, this led to inefficient overall play. It's worth noting that Clarkson has never been an efficient scorer. Even in his best season (2022-23), his shooting percentages were 44.4% from the field, 33.8% from three, and 81.6% from the free-throw line, with a true shooting percentage of 55.8%.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Clarkson's strengths are well-known. His ball-handling and shooting abilities are impressive, and he has a strong capacity for creating his own shot, making him a scoring threat. He has also improved his passing during his time with the Jazz. However, his weaknesses are equally pronounced: poor defense, frequent turnovers, and inconsistent scoring efficiency. Clarkson’s streaky play makes him a classic "sixth man," capable of exploding offensively but just as likely to have off nights.

The Trade Market and Future Prospects

A year ago, the Jazz tried to trade Clarkson for a first-round pick. However, after a season of inefficient play and considering his somewhat overpriced contract, he has garnered no interest in the trade market. This lack of interest is not entirely unexpected given his recent performances.

The Jazz might not be in a rush to trade Clarkson, as his presence could influence their tanking strategy. However, if he continues to play as he has, it could expedite their rebuilding process. For Clarkson himself, despite the current market conditions, his career has been commendable. From a second-round pick to averaging double-digit points in each of his ten seasons, surpassing 10,000 career points, winning Sixth Man of the Year, and securing multiple million-dollar contracts, Clarkson has had a successful career.

Looking ahead, Clarkson is likely to remain a key player for the Jazz next season. Danny Ainge might aggressively shop him, but beyond that, his role and value could diminish significantly. Players with similar profiles, like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, were key contributors until they abruptly found themselves out of the league. Clarkson, now 32, could face a similar fate in this era and with his style of play.

Conclusion

Jordan Clarkson's journey is a testament to his talent and determination. However, his current standing in the NBA reflects the league's ever-evolving landscape and the harsh realities faced by players as they age and their performances wane. As Clarkson continues his career, his ability to adapt and find a niche will be crucial in determining his future in the league.