Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson shoots whereas individuals eagerly watch throughout the Jazz star’s basketball camp in Farmington on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Information
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson talks with the children throughout his basketball camp in Farmington on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Information
Jordan Clarkson stood below the awning of the Farmington Gymnasium on Saturday as rain poured down.
A storm shifting by the world may have put a damper on the day, simply as among the latest information and rumors circulating in regards to the Utah Jazz may have. But it surely ought to come as little shock to anybody that Clarkson was as unfazed by the downpour as he's by what may grow to be of the Jazz.
A whole lot of children, from first to twelfth grade, streamed into the fitness center for Clarkson’s basketball camp Saturday and had been handled to a Clarkson household affair. Clarkson’s mother and father, brother and mates assist run a collection of camps across the nation, and Clarkson attends every one, displaying off his expertise, sharing knowledge, taking photographs and spreading pleasure, irrespective of the circumstances.
So, whilst rumors of a Jazz rebuild swirl amid reviews of commerce talks involving Donovan Mitchell, Clarkson stays even-keeled.
Because the rain fell round us and children yelled within the distance — pleading for Clarkson to remain in Utah and telling him that he's their favourite participant — I took a severe tone and requested Clarkson how he was feeling contemplating every part that might doubtlessly occur.
“I’m chillin’,” he stated with the extensive and sincere smile that has endeared him to Jazz followers for the final two years. “My temper is — I’m all the time good. My vibe is all the time good. It doesn’t change. That is my ninth yr going into the league. I understand how the enterprise of basketball works.”
It’s not as if Clarkson is going through a choice himself. He’s below contract with the Jazz this yr and he’s completely satisfied about that. But when the Jazz had been to commerce Mitchell it might sign a direct rebuild of the workforce, and he would probably be one of many subsequent to go. Clarkson is effectively conscious of the chances and completely different eventualities that might play out.
These are issues which can be out of Clarkson’s management, although. So he’s taking every part in stride and shifting ahead as if nothing has modified or goes to alter.
Which means holding camps, coaching, preserving his physique prepared and making all the required preparations for the upcoming season — together with assembly the person who could possibly be his subsequent head coach.
Newly minted Jazz coach Will Hardy stopped by to fulfill Clarkson in individual and have a quick get-to-know-you session on Saturday whereas Clarkson was on the town, and Hardy made a stable impression with the former Sixth Man of the 12 months.
“I’m not that good at texting or calling folks, so it was actually cool to only kick it with him immediately and shoot the (expletive),” Clarkson stated. “He’s tight. I like him so much.”
Clarkson doesn’t have the entire solutions about what will occur with the Jazz, and he is aware of that there's some uncertainty looming. However quite than let himself get caught up in what may occur, and what it may imply if he’s traded sooner or later this offseason, he’s extra concerned about what’s concrete and what’s sure.
What Clarkson is aware of for positive is that he's presently on the Jazz roster, he nonetheless has a few years of basketball forward of him, and he’s prepared for no matter life throws at him.
“Am I completely satisfied in Utah? Sure. Do I like my teammates? Sure. I met the brand new coach and love him,” Clarkson stated. “That is all a part of what it's. However my preparation by no means modifications and I’m going to get up each morning and be me and do what I do. Every little thing is sweet.”
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson talks with the children throughout his basketball camp in Farmington on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Information