Despite rumors swirling, Jordan Clarkson loves the Utah Jazz

Jordan Clarkson's 2023-2024 season was one to forget. Boasting one of the worst defenses, thanks in part to Clarkson (not to mention Keyonte George and Collin Sexton), Clarkson fell apart this season. His shot fell off completely and his ability to generate instant offense was no longer instant, but still largely offensive.

He seemed a step slower and considering he wasn't a great passer in the first place and the worst defender on just about every team he was ever on, if his shot wasn't falling then there wasn't much point in playing Clarkson.

That's the sad truth but one that we wish wasn't the case. While many fans think that Clarkson should get traded, not just due to his poor play, we'd be remiss if we didn't point out that Clarkson actually loves the area. With so many players not fans of Salt Lake City because they can't party in some club, Clarkson is a rare pro who enjoys the environment, going as far as to tell the media (via Sports Illustrated) that he loves the Jazz and the state;

"“Tomorrow is tomorrow. I don’t really look too far forward. I’m here. I love this organization. I love this state — the city. I love playing for this team, ya know — Will [Hardy] and everybody. If it is the last [season], then that’s just what it is.""

We think it's time to move on from Clarkson but that doesn't mean we aren't sad to see him go, should he go. He wasn't a good player this year but he tried, which is more than we could say about some guys. Plus, it's rare to find a player of his magnitude expressing a sincere appreciation for the city and state as a whole.

No place is perfect, not Salt Lake, not Utah, not our lovely country. Nowhere is perfect. But the Jazz and the surrounding area is a pretty impressive place, and we respect the heck out of Clarkson for being as professional and open as he has been.

It may be time to say goodbye, but that doesn't mean it won't hurt like heck to see him go.