Getty Image
Jordan Clarkson has evolved plenty over the course of his career, going from Los Angeles to Cleveland and now Utah, where he is one of the last remaining holdovers from the Jazz teams that were led by Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Clarkson has always been a free spirit on the court, but as he’s become a veteran, he’s learned how to pick his spots and bring a steadying presence to a young Jazz team in need of that guidance.
The result has been his most productive season as a pro, averaging 21.0 points and 4.2 assists per game, both career-highs, as Utah has been a surprising play-in contender at 29-31, a half-game back of Oklahoma City for 10th in the West.
Over All-Star weekend, Clarkson took part in a live taping of ‘Scoring Credit’, a partnership between Chase Freedom, THINK50, and the NBPA. Clarkson was joined by Walker Kessler and Baron Davis to talk about the nuances of financial literacy, budgeting, financial planning, and his own experiences and financial education. Dime spoke with Clarkson after the panel discussion to chat about who he looked to for financial advice off-court, as well as growing into himself on-court and the advice and relationship he forged with Mike Conley.
The process of financial literacy, whether that’s in home ownership or investing, budgeting or working to save, can be overwhelming. What’s a good entry point for people who want to get started but aren’t sure how?
A good entry point I think is just asking questions. Trying to figure it out. It’s something where picking up a book, figuring it out on your own sometimes [helps], but you kind of have to experience it to give someone that education as well. You have children, your family, whatever, somebody could come and ask you the same question, so that’s why I say generational wealth and the education comes from people that are around you.
Are there people that you look to, and talk to, when you were starting to build this wealth and financial awareness for yourself?
A lot of it was my dad. He did a lot of work. He started, basically from nothing as well. He was in the military, served in the armed forces, stopped that when I was born. Created a business, started to learn about LLCs and the whole thing, and that was just washing cars. He started his own business and that was a successful way to support us. He figured out things, went back to school, starts learning more, that education gets passed down to me. Then he finds somebody else who has further education than that, and we figure it out from there. But like I said, that’s been a point of today in terms of spreading that education of wealth and knowledge.
Would you say your dad’s more regimented approach, if it was that, has that rubbed off on you in certain ways? Whether with this, or in your game?
Well my game is pretty free, but when it comes to off the court living and spending, he keeps me to a real strict and healthy diet in terms of that [laughs].
They do that, right?
Right! Always. He’s always my ear, ‘What is this American Express bill?’ You know what I mean? It’s part of it though. It’s all love. We want to keep continuing to spread our education.
I recently read that you said you feel you’re finally evolving into who you’re supposed to be. Can you explain that?
It’s kind of weird. Not weird, but it’s to a point where I’ve grown. I went through trials, tribulations, I’m 30, I’m getting older and continuing to learn from my experiences and the mistakes that I’ve made. And now I’m to a point where I’m comfortable in my skin. If I would’ve told myself earlier, I would have told myself keep doing what you’re doing. Learn from him and keep pushing. Because I know I’m not going to make the same mistakes, and I know my daughter isn’t going to make the same mistakes I made because I’m going to educate her on everything.
You’re right, it’s a hard thing to explain and reconcile. Because it is just a feeling of comfort and ease with yourself, when you hit your stride. Do you find that now, you’ve lost some of the guys you started to play with on this Jazz team? Mike Conley’s gone, you had a good relationship. Do you now take it upon yourself to step into that leadership role?
Yeah, I do. Mike was like, I’ve been a fan of Mike since high school. Watching him growing up playing.
He’s great.
Yeah. Ohio State. Just watching him, learning from him. Talking to him all the time, sitting next to him on the plane. I still call him. I called him on the way over here. Just trying to take his leadership skills. I think he has a good understanding on what’s going on in life. He’s comfortable in his skin and it’s made his career, made his family, and made who he is so impactful.
He’s a very calming presence.
Always. I always call him Yoda. I’m the wild one, I’m just out there, and he’s kinda like, pulling the reins like, ‘Bro listen.’ But I’m finally coming to that point where I think I’m finally coming to understand what he’s been saying. Maybe because he’s not here, and I can’t speak to him every day in terms of getting on a plane and talking to him at practice every morning.
What did he say to you on the way over here, if you don’t mind me asking?
‘What you doing tonight?’ [laughs] ‘Want to come over, have a glass of wine and chill?’
That’s very good. I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask you a bit about your style. What kind of stuff do you think about when you’re figuring out what to wear for specific games?
Umm, cartoon characters.
Is it also a mood thing, a comfort thing?
Yeah. Mood, comfort, and then like, anime characters and cartoons.
Katie Heindl
https://uproxx.com/dimemag/jordan-clarkson-utah-jazz-mike-conley-interview/
By: Katie Heindl
Title: Jordan Clarkson On Evolving Into Who He’s Meant To Be In Utah
Sourced From: uproxx.com/dimemag/jordan-clarkson-utah-jazz-mike-conley-interview/
Published Date: 02-19-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Which NBA player has blocked the most shots in a single season?
Mark Eaton held the all-time block records of 456 and blocks per match (5.56) during 1984-1985. The NBA's single-season record for Eaton is 256, which is the most ever set.
Hakeem Olajuwon currently holds the NBA record for most career blocks, with 3,830. Olajuwon had an average of 21.8 points and 11.1 boards over his 18-year playing career, which included 1,238 games. He also had 2.5 assists and 3.1 block per game.
What is a trade exception within the NBA?
A trade exception in NBA allows teams to trade away any player. This exception allows teams not to make salary moves but can acquire players with salaries that are higher than the ones they traded away. The exception is available to a team over multiple seasons. It does not count against their salary cap, luxury tax threshold, or other restrictions. Trade exceptions allow teams to change their rosters and not have to reduce their salaries. This allows for teams to compete and avoid situations in which some teams may have an unfair advantage because of their financial situation.
It helps to keep the league financially sound and allows teams to move around without worrying about whether they can afford to do so. Trade exceptions can be used to help teams win championships and are an essential part in roster construction.
How much do NBA players make?
The NBA's average salary was $7.3million during the 2021-2022 season. This figure is based on the maximum allowed salary cap of $134 million, which was set for this season. The individual salaries of players can vary depending on their accomplishments and experience.
Kevin Durant and LeBron Jones are both superstars who can make up to $40m a year. However, rookies could only make $898,310. Other veteran players may be eligible for mid-level exception salaries ranging from $4.76 million to $9.258 million, depending on their years of experience. In addition, players can earn bonuses and other incentives through their teams depending on their team's performance.
What is the biggest rivalry in the NBA?
The NBA's largest rivalry is held between the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Boston Celtics.
The NBA Finals have seen the Boston Celtics meet the Los Angeles Lakers 12 times. The Celtics have won nine times in those meetings. They met for the first time in 1959. However, they continued to excel during the years that followed, particularly in the 1960s and 1980s when they would meet six and three times, respectively. The new millennium marked 2000, but the two teams still met twice within the same year.
Statistics
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20% of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- As of 2014, 45 percent of its viewers were black, while 40 percent were white, making it the only top North American sport that does not have a white majority audience.[102]As of 2017Democrats than Republicans.[103]Outside (en.wikipedia.org)
- Between 2012 and 2019, the league lost 40 to 45 percent of its viewership. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An estimated 800 million viewers watched the [105]2017–18 season. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
sbnation.com
nba.com
si.com
- NBA Free Agency Preview: The Biggest Questions and Rumors
- Free from Quarantine: The NBA bubble Is A Unique Experience
sports.yahoo.com
How To
How can I prepare for an NBA Game Experience?
The best way to prepare for an NBA game experience is to ensure you have the right tickets. Tickets can be purchased through the team's website, or an online third-party seller. Make sure you know all the rules and regulations of the arena so that you aren’t surprised. Get to the arena in plenty of time for warm-ups or pregame activities and to beat the rush. If you wish, purchase team merchandise such as a shirt and hat. You should bring your camera and binoculars so you can take photos and see the action from the court. Don't miss the action! Consider other entertainment options at halftimes such as a concert and special event. Enjoy the game.
