THE biggest trade of the NBA offseason did not involve Kevin Durant, or the Brooklyn Nets. No Russell Westbrook and LA Lakers as well. It’s Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz. Incidentally, that’s the player our very own Jordan Clarkson is backing up. So can we conclude that Clarkson is the next man up? Is he moving from being the top sixth man to the starting five? That is a definite possibility, but it may not even be with the Utah Jazz.
The Danny Ainge difference
Say what you want about Danny Ainge, (and I have said a lot) but he is definitely decisive. If he wants to go all in, he’ll go all in — whether it’s a title run or a full rebuild. He would not always be successful, but he is never half-hearted.
If anyone can command a total overhaul, it’s Danny Ainge. He is bold enough to make moves, ready to brush off any sacred cow standing in the way. He was bold enough to trade away Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, who were icons in Boston as they delivered them their lone championship since 1986 (I had to emphasize that). Thus, breaking up the Mitchell-Rudy Gobert core was an easy task for him.
Ainge was also clear on what he wanted in exchange for their two stars. Picks, picks and picks. It’s not a bad strategy, as you can see Sam Presti, another sage level front office head, treading the same path.
So where does this place Jordan Clarkson?
A second look from LeBron?
Every transaction that a team with LeBron James does will eventually be blamed on LeBron. In 2018, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance who were vital cogs in the Lakers’ youth movement.
Side note: The 2017-18 Lakers roster had Clarkson, Nance, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, Kyle Kuzma, Alex Caruso, Josh Hart and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Two all-stars, one Sixth Man of the Year, and highly productive contributors. How far could they have gone if they weren’t broken up?
I remember LeBron stands applauding the move, now that JC is now with the King. So it broke their hearts when LeBron jumped ship to the LA Lakers the following season. They felt betrayed, since it felt like LeBron wanted Clarkson and Nance OUT of LA when he transferred.
Fast forward to 2021, and Clarkson found his niche. He may get traded out of Utah, simply because he’ll get caught in Ainge’s rebuilding crossfire. But this time, he could leave on his own terms. And look which team needs a scoring spark off the bench, since those guys mentioned in the side note are all gone: the LA Lakers.
The Lakers are the most popular team in the Philippines, and probably, the world. Pinoys would like to see Clarkson return to the Blue and Gold, where he first got noticed. It’s possible, since James hardly holds grudges, no matter how competitive he gets on the court. If a player will help him win, the Chosen One can swallow his pride. Some would call that weakness, some would say it’s maturity.
Clarkson is now handled by Klutch Sports, and that is as much a seal of approval as you can ever hope to have. While Rich Paul’s agency is always after the best deal in terms of dollars, helping the King is always a bonus. It’s a win-win situation for their camp.
Other parties
The Philippines can have its first NBA champion sooner than later. Clarkson was made for a contender, as he is most effective in limited but crucial minutes. A “flame thrower” off the bench, always ready to light up. Tailor-made for a contender.
The Sixers and Nets could get creative and Clarkson fills a need for their team. He is best backing up high scoring guards, which ensures that the team will always maintain the offensive advantage in that position. Backing up James Harden or Kyrie Irving the way he backed up Mitchell is a dream.
Overall, Clarkson’s NBA future is secure. Eventually, a team will make him start again and play heavier minutes.
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