Jazz fans should be happy about Jordan Clarkson's new mindset

Even if the Jordan Clarkson era didn't end in the way the Utah Jazz would have preferred, at least he's in a better place now. On the New York Knicks, his contributions could go into something worthwhile. Following his latest interview, Jazz fans should be happy to see Clarkson clearly embrace the Knicks because, warts and all, he felt the same about Utah.

In an interview with KITH, Clarkson talked about what made him want to join the Knicks.

“This is a place that everybody wakes up and wants to play, wants to be a part of it,” Clarkson said. "I think being a Knick, in that sense, you have a sense of pride. It’s love around the city always for the Knicks," Clarkson said.

Not only that, but because of how much the fans embrace their players, that only motivates him to play at his best.

“I think when you go out there and be confident and show love and really play for the city and embrace it and wear it on your skin when you’re out there on the floor, play with pride and know it’s bigger than yourself and this team, I feel like that’s when you really are engaged and want to take it to the next level. I’m ready for it all and super excited and ready to get to it.”

Salt Lake City might not be Manhattan, but we have to remember that when the Jazz first acquired him back in 2019, Clarkson's effectiveness as a player came very much into question. With the Jazz, he elevated himself to a new level that put those concerns to bed. Playing for Utah got him to that level, showing that Clarkson had that same mindset when he was a Jazzman.

Clarkson admitted back in April in his end of season interview that playing for a team like Utah was tough because of where the team was and where he was conflicted with each other. At the same time, he still made it clear how loyal he was to the team.

That's the kind of player the Knicks brought in, and why Jazz fans should be happy to see him get a chance to go on another extensive playoff run.

Jazz fans should welcome Clarkson back with applause

Jazz fans have more often than not appreciated the players that previously helped the team in their playoff run - Gordon Hayward understandably being the rare exception - and Clarkson should be one of them. Fans welcomed back Donovan Mitchell this season, and while Clarkson wasn't the same caliber of player, he was never a problem and gave it his all in Utah.

The Knicks will see the Jazz in Utah on March 11. Not only could fans show their love for a Jazzman who was loyal through and through, but they can also cheer him on as the Knicks go on their next playoff run. Clarkson was not a perfect player, but if and when Jazz fans see him again, he should get all the applause he deserves.