Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson is still on good terms with former teammate Donovan Mitchell, who was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in September for Ochai Agbaji, Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton and five first-rounders.
“Donnie is coming. That’s my man, always,” Clarkson told Mark J. Spears in an interview with Anscape. “Always show him love. We’ve talked a lot. He’s a cool, down-to-earth guy and he’s starting to embrace that.” He’s a real, real star, honestly.”
According to a few NBA betting sites, the Jazz have the eighth-lowest odds to win the championship. See which sportsbooks are giving the best odds for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers.
Jordan Clarkson is set for Donovan Mitchell’s return tonight. He’s a true, true superstar. of #Jazz The Guardian talks about Filipino and black heritage, from pop punk star, Kobe, unique hair, tattoos and nails and more. @andscape. https://t.co/faNBW4IGGO
– Mark J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 10, 2023
Jordan Clarkson added: “It’s crazy for me to see him go through his youth. “I have never had an experience like this. I saw Kobe and LeBron, when they were older and they understood a lot of things. And that’s what Donny understood and kind of came into his own as a person.
Mitchell seems like a great teammate. In his sixth NBA season, the Cavaliers guard is averaging career highs of 28 points, 8 points and 36.5 minutes per game in 36 starts. Not to mention, the three-time All-Star is posting 3.9 boards, 4.8 assists and 1.4 steals per contest.
Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson continues to respect and admire former teammate Donovan Mitchell.
The former Jazz guard scored a game-high 71 points on 22-34 (64.7%) shooting from the field and seven 3-pointers in Cleveland’s 145-134 win over the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 2. Mitchell scored 99 points in the game, second most in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point performance.
Of course, Jordan Clarkson dominates. In 42 starts this season, the nine-year veteran is averaging a career-high 20.4 points, 4.5 assists and 32.5 minutes. Along with recording 3.8 rebounds per game, Clarkson is shooting 44.8% from the floor and 35.6% from beyond the arc.
NBA Media’s survey of the best players at each position:
PG – Luka Doncic
SG – Donovan Mitchell
SF – Jayson Tatum
PF – Giannis Antetokounmpo
C – Nikola Jokic(via https://t.co/wWGNmWnCY9) pic.twitter.com/44iSWTRZCq
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) January 10, 2023
On December 15, in Utah’s 132-129 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the guard scored a season-high 39 points in 39 minutes. He finished 15 of 26 (57.7%) from the field and 7 of 14 (50%) from 3-point range.
In the 2014 NBA Draft, Clarkson was selected 46th overall by the Washington Wizards. He was then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite playing for top contenders, the 30-year-old has yet to earn an All-Star selection in his career.
What’s more, Spurs asked the Jazz guard whether or not he had any visions of getting his first All-Star appearance on his home stage. “I’m playing at that level, making plays, trying to help my team win,” Jordan Clarkson replied. “I was not one to chase awards and accolades or anything. I let the game speak for itself.
For Monday night’s interconference matchup, the Cavaliers are 3.5-point favorites over Utah. According to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, Cleveland has a 57.9% chance of winning at Vivint Arena.
