From the very beginning, the Utah Jazz knew what Jordan Clarkson was when they traded for him - a scoring spark. Over the years, he's become one of the league's very best at it. This season, he's going to take on a new role in Utah.
While talking with Bleacher Report's Scott Polacek, Clarkson revealed what else he wants to bring to the Jazz in 2024-25. In short, he wants to be a good example for his younger teammates.
"I'm just trying to put my experience out there for the younger guys," Clarkson told Polacek. "This is the most vocal I've been since I've played in terms of getting as much information to them as I can during the preseason as we get ready for the regular season.
"I'm trying to get them all ready. This is my first time being one of the older guys on the team, usually there are guys who are older than me who take on that role. But I'm stepping into that, and it's something new. I'm trying to communicate the best way I can with everybody."
Not many would think of Clarkson as a mentor, but he is among the oldest players on the team. The only player on the roster older than Clarkson is Patty Mills, who was also brought on to the team because of his mentorship and experience.
Clarkson has plenty of playoff experience and technically has been to an NBA Finals. After Cleveland acquired him mid-season in 2018, he was part of their playoff run. However, he barely played in their rotation.
That's why Clarkson's development in Utah has been pretty fun to watch. While he proved he can score, Utah helped him reach a new level
Clarkson says the young players are getting it
One of the Jazz's more fascinating storylines is seeing who among its young players will break into the rotation when the 2024-25 season starts. Despite their promise, one specific factor is whether or not they can reach their potential and how well they fit with each other and the veterans around them.
According to Clarkson, the kids are getting it. Clarkson praised Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier, Taylor Hendricks, and Cody Williams to Polacek for understanding what the Jazz have been teaching them.
"These young guys have been picking up a lot of stuff," Clarkson said "Kyle Filipowski too, he's been doing great. It's been a joy working with all these guys because they're so humble and so hungry."
Because the Jazz have gotten a nice injection of youth, many are wondering when they will turn to them entirely. However, having these veterans like Clarkson on the roster sets a bar for them to clear. Sure, trading them would land more assets, but it might be best for these young players to learn that they won't be handed the keys right away just because they are the future.
Clarkson may not be who many think of when the word "mentor" come to mind, but he seems aware of what the Jazz are doing and wants to do his part to ensure a glorious future for them.
Even if he won't be there when these youngsters reach their potential.