At this point his career, it's probably best for Jordan Clarkson and the Utah Jazz to part ways. Even if that's been common knowledge for a few years now, after the latest intel on how their tankjob affected his psyche, that notion couldn't be more true than it already is.
Clarkson had an injury-riddled season, as he appeared in less than half of the Jazz's games. Some of that was because he had recurring plantar fasciitis. However, everyone knew the Jazz's plans, and Deseret News' Sarah Todd revealed that sometimes his absences weren't because of his injury.
Not only did Todd confirm that the Jazz held Clarkson out at times to ensure he didn't get in the way of their tanking, but she also revealed the impact that had on him.
"There are certainly some games that he missed due to dealing with plantar fasciitis, but there were certainly games he could have played in if it weren’t for the fact that the Jazz didn’t want him going off for 30 points off the bench.
"Being away from the game that much has taken a toll on Clarkson. He is not as jovial as he once was, there aren’t as many smiles or jokes being cracked. Clarkson used to exude joy, and everything was always 'good vibes only.' But the tanking seasons have stripped the vibes from Clarkson," Todd wrote.
This is the negative effect tanking has on veterans like Clarkson. Even though he said he wanted to embrace his new role as a veteran mentor coming into the season, that doesn't mean it's easy for someone like him to do. He's only got so much time left, and his role as mentor isn't translating into wins.
Losing isn't fun period, but the Jazz's youth can stomach it because they've got plenty of time in their NBA careers to figure things out. Clarkson doesn't have that luxury, and it's hurting him. What can make it even more painful is that Clarkson was featured on good Jazz teams when he first arrived before they closed the door on that era.
After the Jazz's season ended, Clarkson gave his honest thoughts on his situation with the Jazz. He knows his skillset is better served on a team trying to win, which isn't the Jazz and likely won't be for a few years. However, he still has no issue with staying with the Jazz.
But intel like this further demonstrates that he needs to go. It might not work out that way, but Clarkson has a good enough resume that he should play on another team.
What could make a Clarkson trade easier this offseason
No one has bitten on a Clarkson trade, but the problem might not be so much about his talent as it is about his contract. Teams are bullish on acquiring role players that could affect their long-term cap room. That is no longer a factor now.
Clarkson's deal is about to expire, which could actually give him more trade value, as teams may want to add him to attain cap flexibility for next season. If a deal happens, it might not be about Clarkson's skills as a scorer as it is about freeing cap room.
No matter the case, Clarkson deserves a fresh start. He may never get the same contract the Jazz have been paying him for, but he should finish out his prime on a team that would benefit from him. If that's not enough he deserves to get the good vibes back.