There’s been a few recent headlines across the NBA surrounding some former and current Utah Jazz players, the team’s offseason plans, and more.
While the Jazz may not be in the NBA playoffs or at the front of any major current events in the league, there are still a few stories that Jazz fans might find interesting. Here’s a collection of four headlines we’ve seen with a correlation to the Utah Jazz and some of their players.
Jordan Clarkson linked to the Lakers, speaks on trade rumors
In an interview with Heavy Sports, Clarkson discussed how the NBA is “the business” and how he feels about his name oftentimes being at the center of trade rumors. Here’s what he said in the interview:
"“You know, for me, I know what it is—it’s the business. And, you know, I’ve been a part of this business for a long time now, I guess. Nine years, about to go on to 10 after this next. You know, I’m willing to, you know, do whatever is asked of me.”"
In the Heavy Sports article, an Eastern Conference executive went on to discuss how Jordan Clarkson’s future in the league could play out, and it may not include the Utah Jazz. Here’s what he had to say:
"“There are teams that will look at him and say, ‘That is exactly what we need. Reliable scorer, smart player, bench or starter, good in the locker room, good presence. The Lakers really wanted to see if they could shake him free there. But Utah would rather get him to a new deal and if they are going to move him, do it later on when they have a little more leverage. You don’t have much leverage trading a free agent. I would not be surprised to see the Lakers make another run.”"
While valuable, he also went on to describe some possible concerns of signing Clarkson to a long-term deal, those of which being his age and his below-average defensive ability. Clarkson will be turning 31 in June entering the ninth year of his NBA career.
Former Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell got robbed of a Game 1 win vs. the Knicks
The former Jazzman had an amazing playoff debut with the Cavs, especially showing out in the fourth quarter. posting 14 points on 5 for 12 shooting. Overall, Donovan Mitchell put up 38 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists. However, the Jazz still came up short.
The Cavs collapsed defensively to close out the game. Cedi Osman was matchup up on Jalen Brunson three times in the final two minutes, resulting in Brunson getting a bucket with every chance he got. You would think the smart coaching decision would be to switch this matchup after maybe the second time it got exposed, but for some reason, it didn’t happen.
The Cavs also refused to rebound the ball down the stretch as well, or even for the entire game. They lost the rebound battle 51-38 and ended up fumbling two crucial defensive rebounds down the stretch. If Cleveland was able to capitalize on those missed rebounds, this could be a different story for Mitchell.