Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson
Early into the 2021-22 season, Clarkson is on pace to essentially replicate the production that earned him the 2020-21 Sixth Man of the Year award. He’s averaging 16.5 points per game in 25 minutes per contest, providing the Utah Jazz with the same instant offense they’ve come to rely on from the hyper-talented combo guard.
In stark contrast to teammate Joe Ingles, Clarkson epitomizes the expectations of a Sixth Man of the Year winner. His immense scoring ability makes him a quality primary offensive option during any minute of any game during which neither Donovan Mitchell or Mike Conley is on the floor.
Without question, Clarkson is integral to the Utah Jazz and their plan of attack. If anything is likely to hold him back from repeating as the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, it’s his inefficiency.
Through two games this season, Clarkson is shooting 40.0% from the field and a gruesome 23.5% from three-point range on 8.5 attempts per night. Again, we’re dealing with a minute sample size, but it’s worth noting that efficiency is an area in which Clarkson has often struggled. His 51.2 True Shooting % (TS%) through two games is admittedly low, but it’s not strikingly far off his career mark of 53.9.
Voters overlooked Clarkson’s shooting woes last season: often times, inefficiency is a flaw that comes along with Clarkson’s role and style of play. However, in light of the phenomenon of voter fatigue, it’s possible that they won’t be so generous this season.
Furthermore, inefficiency isn’t the only factor poised to challenge Clarkson’s status as the NBA’s leading sixth man. A certain young guard with a similar game may do so even if Clarkson’s efficiency spikes.