50 Facts About Jordan Clarkson

Jordan Clarkson: A Rising Star

Jordan Clarkson's journey in basketball is a tale of determination and versatility. From his early days in high school to becoming a key player in the NBA, Clarkson's story is one of hard work and dedication. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this talented athlete.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on June 7, 1992, in Tampa, Florida, Jordan Taylor Clarkson is the son of Mike Clarkson and Anette Davis. His parents were in the United States Air Force, and they separated when he was young. His father later remarried Janie Clarkson and had a stepson, Bear Clarkson.

2. High School Career: Clarkson attended Karen J. Wagner High School in San Antonio, Texas. As a sophomore, he made a significant impact on the basketball court, averaging 10 points per game and receiving honorable mention all-district honors. He guided his school team to the Class 5A state semi-finals, scoring 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game.

3. College Basketball: Clarkson played college basketball for two seasons. He initially joined the University of Tulsa, where he was selected to the 2011 Conference USA All-Freshman team in his first year. During his second year with the team, he earned a spot on the All-Conference USA First team and was also recognized as part of the NABC All-District 11 team. In May 2012, he transferred to the University of Missouri, where he was selected to the 2014 All-SEC second team. He won three Southeastern Conference Player of the Week awards during his gameplay with Missouri.

4. NBA Draft: Clarkson decided to forgo his senior year of college and enter the 2014 NBA draft. The Washington Wizards drafted him as the 46th overall pick in the second round. He was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on draft night for cash considerations.

Making Waves in the NBA

Clarkson's NBA career has been marked by impressive performances and significant milestones. His time with the Los Angeles Lakers and subsequent teams has showcased his talent and adaptability.

5. Los Angeles Lakers (2014-2018): Clarkson primarily played as a point guard in his first 38 games with the Lakers, averaging 15.8 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.2 rebounds. During this season, he was selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. In November 2015, he scored his career-high 30 points in a match against the Denver Nuggets. On July 7, 2016, he signed a four-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $50 million.

6. NBA All-Rookie First Team: Clarkson was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2015, recognizing his outstanding performance during his rookie season with the Lakers.

7. First Asian-American Starting Backcourt: On March 24, 2015, Clarkson, along with Jeremy Lin, became the first Asian-American starting backcourt in NBA history. This milestone marked a significant moment in the league's diversity and representation.

8. Los Angeles D-Fenders: During his rookie season, Clarkson received multiple assignments to the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League. This experience helped him develop his skills and adapt to different playing styles.

9. Career Highlights with Lakers: Clarkson had several notable performances with the Lakers. On March 30 and April 1, 2015, he recorded back-to-back double-doubles. On March 24, 2017, he tied his career high with 30 points off the bench in a 118–116 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. On March 24, 2017, he also had career highs of 35 points and eight 3-pointers in a 130–119 overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

New Beginnings with the Cavaliers

A trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers opened new doors for Clarkson, allowing him to showcase his skills on a different stage.

10. Trade to Cleveland Cavaliers: On February 8, 2018, Clarkson was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Isaiah Thomas and Channing Frye. He spent two full seasons playing for this team, including participating in the 2018 NBA Finals where they lost to the Golden State Warriors.

11. Cleveland Cavaliers Career: During his time with the Cavaliers, Clarkson recorded a career-high 42 points in a match over the Brooklyn Nets on February 13, 2019.

A New Chapter with the Utah Jazz

Joining the Utah Jazz marked a significant shift in Clarkson's career, where he continued to excel and achieve new milestones.

12. Trade to Utah Jazz: On December 24, 2019, Clarkson was traded to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Dante Exum and two future second-round draft picks. This move marked a significant shift in his career, as he joined a new team and began a new chapter.

13. Utah Jazz (2019-Present): Clarkson has been a key player for the Utah Jazz since his trade. On January 30, 2020, he scored a season-high 37 points in a 100–106 loss to the Denver Nuggets. On November 21, 2020, he re-signed with the Jazz on a four-year, $52 million contract.

14. NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award: In 2021, Clarkson was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year. This award recognized his outstanding contributions as a reserve player, leading the Jazz to several victories and setting multiple records for three-point shooting off the bench.

15. Career Statistics with Jazz: As of the 2023-24 season, Clarkson has played 305 total career games with the Jazz, averaging 17.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. His contributions have led to three playoff appearances and multiple notable performances.

16. Contract Extension with Jazz: On July 7, 2023, Clarkson signed a contract extension with the Jazz, further solidifying his commitment to the team and ensuring his continued presence in Utah.

Beyond the Court

Clarkson's influence extends beyond his on-court achievements. His cultural heritage and personal life add depth to his story.

17. Career Goals: Despite his achievements, Clarkson remains ambitious. In a post-season press conference, he shared his aspirations for the latter stages of his career, expressing his longing to win an NBA championship and potentially add more accolades to his collection.

18. Philippine Citizenship: Clarkson also holds Filipino citizenship, which has allowed him to represent the Philippines men's national basketball team. This dual citizenship reflects his cultural heritage and commitment to both his American and Filipino roots.

19. Representation in NBA: Clarkson and Jalen Green became the first two players of Filipino descent to play in the same NBA game on October 28, 2021, during the Houston Rockets' Filipino Heritage Night celebration. This moment highlighted the growing diversity within the league and celebrated Asian-American contributions to basketball.

20. Career Highlights with Jazz: Clarkson has had numerous standout performances with the Jazz. On February 15, 2021, he scored a season-high 40 points in a 134–123 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. On March 12, 2022, he scored a career-high 45 points on 15-for-21 shooting from the field in a 134–125 win against the Sacramento Kings.

21. Overtime Victory: On December 15, 2022, Clarkson led the Jazz to a 132–129 overtime victory over the New Orleans Pelicans with a game-leading 39 points and 8 rebounds. This performance showcased his ability to lead his team to crucial wins.

22. First Career Triple-Double: On January 1, 2024, Clarkson recorded his first career triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 127–90 win over the Dallas Mavericks. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his career, ending the longest-ever regular-season triple-double drought for any NBA team.

23. Net Worth: As of recent reports, Jordan Clarkson's net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. Most of his net worth came from his NBA contracts, with his recent contract with the Utah Jazz being one of his highest-paid deals.

24. Endorsements: Clarkson works as an endorsee for local companies and ventures, which adds to his wealth. His endorsement deals reflect his popularity and marketability within the basketball community.

25. Family Background: Clarkson's family background is significant in understanding his early life and career. His parents' separation and his father's remarriage influenced his upbringing and shaped his determination to succeed in basketball.

26. High School Achievements: Despite being just a sophomore, Clarkson's high school achievements were notable. He averaged 10 points per game and received honorable mention all-district honors. His team reached the Class 5A state semi-finals, where he scored 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game.

27. College Achievements: At the University of Tulsa, Clarkson was selected to the 2011 Conference USA All-Freshman team. During his second year with the team, he earned a spot on the All-Conference USA First team and was recognized as part of the NABC All-District 11 team. At Missouri, he was selected to the 2014 All-SEC second team and won three Southeastern Conference Player of the Week awards.

28. Draft Night Trade: Clarkson was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on draft night for cash considerations. This move marked the beginning of his professional career in the NBA.

29. Rookie Season Performance: During his rookie season with the Lakers, Clarkson averaged 15.8 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.2 rebounds. He was selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team for his outstanding performance.

30. Career Highs with Lakers: Clarkson set multiple career highs during his time with the Lakers. On November 15, 2016, he recorded a career-high five steals in a 125–118 win over the Brooklyn Nets. On March 12, 2017, he tied his career high with 30 points off the bench in a 118–116 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

31. Contract Extension with Lakers: On July 7, 2016, Clarkson signed a four-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $50 million. This deal solidified his commitment to the team and provided financial stability for his future.

32. Trade to Cavaliers: Clarkson was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 8, 2018, in exchange for Isaiah Thomas and Channing Frye. This move marked a significant change in his career trajectory and provided him with new opportunities to grow as a player.

33. Cavaliers Career Highlights: During his time with the Cavaliers, Clarkson recorded a career-high 42 points in a match over the Brooklyn Nets on February 13, 2019. His performances helped the team reach the 2018 NBA Finals, although they ultimately lost to the Golden State Warriors.

34. Return to Utah Jazz: On December 24, 2019, Clarkson was traded back to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Dante Exum and two future second-round draft picks. This move reunited him with a team he had previously played for and provided him with a fresh start.

35. Re-Signing with Jazz: On November 21, 2020, Clarkson re-signed with the Jazz on a four-year, $52 million contract. This deal ensured his continued presence with the team and provided financial stability for his future.

36. Sixth Man of the Year Award: In 2021, Clarkson was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year. This award recognized his outstanding contributions as a reserve player, leading the Jazz to several victories and setting multiple records for three-point shooting off the bench.

37. Career Statistics with Jazz: As of the 2023-24 season, Clarkson has played 305 total career games with the Jazz, averaging 17.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. His contributions have led to three playoff appearances and multiple notable performances.

38. Contract Extension with Jazz: On July 7, 2023, Clarkson signed a contract extension with the Jazz, further solidifying his commitment to the team and ensuring his continued presence in Utah.

39. Career Goals: Despite his achievements, Clarkson remains ambitious. In a post-season press conference, he shared his aspirations for the latter stages of his career, expressing his longing to win an NBA championship and potentially add more accolades to his collection.

40. Philippine Heritage: Clarkson's Filipino heritage is significant in understanding his cultural background and contributions to the sport. He holds dual citizenship and has represented the Philippines men's national basketball team.

41. Representation in NBA: Clarkson and Jalen Green became the first two players of Filipino descent to play in the same NBA game on October 28, 2021, during the Houston Rockets' Filipino Heritage Night celebration. This moment highlighted the growing diversity within the league and celebrated Asian-American contributions to basketball.

42. Career Highlights with Jazz: Clarkson has had numerous standout performances with the Jazz. On February 15, 2021, he scored a season-high 40 points in a 134–123 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. On March 12, 2022, he scored a career-high 45 points on 15-for-21 shooting from the field in a 134–125 win against the Sacramento Kings.

43. Overtime Victory: On December 15, 2022, Clarkson led the Jazz to a 132–129 overtime victory over the New Orleans Pelicans with a game-leading 39 points and 8 rebounds. This performance showcased his ability to lead his team to crucial wins.

44. First Career Triple-Double: On January 1, 2024, Clarkson recorded his first career triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 127–90 win over the Dallas Mavericks. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his career, ending the longest-ever regular-season triple-double drought for any NBA team.

45. Net Worth: As of recent reports, Jordan Clarkson's net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. Most of his net worth came from his NBA contracts, with his recent contract with the Utah Jazz being one of his highest-paid deals.

46. Endorsements: Clarkson works as an endorsee for local companies and ventures, which adds to his wealth. His endorsement deals reflect his popularity and marketability within the basketball community.

47. Family Background: Clarkson's family background is significant in understanding his early life and career. His parents' separation and his father's remarriage influenced his upbringing and shaped his determination to succeed in basketball.

48. High School Achievements: Despite being just a sophomore, Clarkson's high school achievements were notable. He averaged 10 points per game and received honorable mention all-district honors. His team reached the Class 5A state semi-finals, where he scored 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game.

49. College Achievements: At the University of Tulsa, Clarkson was selected to the 2011 Conference USA All-Freshman team. During his second year with the team, he earned a spot on the All-Conference USA First team and was recognized as part of the NABC All-District 11 team. At Missouri, he was selected to the 2014 All-SEC second team and won three Southeastern Conference Player of the Week awards.

50. Legacy in Basketball: Clarkson's legacy in basketball extends beyond his on-court achievements. He has been a role model for many young players, particularly those of Asian-American descent, showcasing the potential for success in the sport regardless of background. His commitment to his Filipino heritage and his contributions to the Utah Jazz have cemented his place as one of the most notable players in recent NBA history.

Clarkson's Impact on and off the Court

Jordan Clarkson's journey in basketball is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days at Karen J. Wagner High School to becoming a key player for the Utah Jazz, his career showcases determination and versatility. His achievements, like being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, highlight his talent and hard work. Beyond stats and awards, Clarkson's representation of Filipino heritage in the NBA adds a layer of cultural significance to his legacy. His dual citizenship allowed him to connect with fans globally, especially in the Philippines. As he continues to play, Clarkson remains focused on his goals, like winning an NBA championship. His story is a testament to perseverance and the impact one can have both on and off the court. Clarkson's legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of basketball players.