3 Utah Jazz players who need to step up in Donovan Mitchell’s absence

Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson

It wouldn’t be hard to argue that the Utah Jazz have needed Jordan Clarkson to step it up even with Mitchell on the floor. If his last Mitchell-less performance against the San Antonio Spurs is any indication, he’s ready to do exactly that.

Clarkson finished that contest with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. He also shot an efficient 9/21 from the field. He truly resembled the Sixth Man of the Year winner that Utah Jazz fans grew to love throughout 2020-21.

It feels possible that Clarkson may be more comfortable in Mitchell’s absence. Both men operate best as a primary ball-handler. Clarkson is still the offensive engine of this Utah Jazz bench, but when he shares the floor with Mitchell, he devolves into a floor-spacer.

That’s a role that arguably hasn’t suited him this season. After all, he’s shooting a frigid 30.6% on 8.4 attempts per contest. Clarkson’s best skill isn’t necessarily his shooting as much as it’s his shot creation. He uses a deft handle, quickness and a deep bag of fakes to get to whatever spot he likes when he’s operating on the ball.

With Mitchell out, Clarkson will have many more opportunities to show off. He needs to make the most of them to keep the Utah Jazz afloat. If he can provide a facsimile of his starry teammate, he’ll be invaluable to the team’s cause while Mitchell is rehabbing.

Otherwise, this Jazz club could be in for a tough stretch. If Clarkson can’t continue to replicate Mitchell’s production, realistically, nobody here can.