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I remember watching Jordan Clarkson during his rookie season with the Lakers back in 2014, and even then you could see the raw talent that would make him such an enduring presence in the league. Having followed his career trajectory closely, I've always been impressed by how he's evolved from a sparkplug sixth man to a legitimate scoring threat who commands defensive attention. His journey reminds me of watching elite volleyball players develop their game - there's a similar progression from raw athleticism to refined technique that separates good players from great ones. Just like in volleyball where players need to master both powerful spikes and delicate touches, Clarkson has developed this beautiful balance between explosive drives and feathery floaters that makes him so difficult to defend.

Looking at his career numbers, Clarkson has consistently put up solid statistics, but last season was particularly remarkable. He averaged career highs in points (20.8) and assists (4.4) while playing nearly 33 minutes per game for the Utah Jazz. What really stood out to me was his improved efficiency - his true shooting percentage climbed to 56.3%, which is quite impressive for a volume scorer. I've always believed that the mark of a truly great scorer isn't just about putting up big numbers, but doing so efficiently, and Clarkson seems to have embraced that philosophy. His game has matured in ways that remind me of how veteran volleyball players learn to pick their spots - knowing when to unleash maximum power and when to use finesse. This development didn't happen overnight; it's been a gradual process of adding layers to his game each season.

The comparison to volleyball isn't as random as it might seem. Watching high-level volleyball matches, like those featured in Volleyball World's coverage, you notice how the best players maintain incredible court awareness while executing complex plays. Clarkson demonstrates similar spatial intelligence on the basketball court - he's developed this knack for navigating crowded lanes and finding angles that shouldn't exist. His handle has tightened considerably since his early days, and he's become much better at using his body to shield defenders while driving to the basket. These subtle improvements might not show up in highlight reels, but they're what separate rotational players from core contributors. Personally, I think his development as a playmaker has been the most underrated aspect of his growth - he's reading defenses better and making smarter decisions with the ball.

Looking ahead to this season, I'm genuinely excited about what Clarkson can bring to this Jazz team. They've got a interesting mix of veteran presence and young talent, and Clarkson fits perfectly as that bridge between generations. At 31, he's in that sweet spot where he still has the athleticism to create his own shot but possesses the wisdom to pick his moments wisely. I expect him to continue being their primary scoring option off the bench, but wouldn't be surprised if he closes more games this season. The Western Conference is absolutely stacked with talent, but Clarkson has that microwave scoring ability that can single-handedly change the momentum of a game. His contract situation is interesting too - he's entering the second year of that three-year deal worth around $55 million, which feels like good value for what he provides.

What really fascinates me about players like Clarkson is how they adapt their games as they age. We've seen it with countless NBA veterans - the transition from pure athleticism to craftiness. Clarkson seems to be making that transition beautifully, adding new elements to his game each offseason. His three-point shooting has become more consistent, and he's developed that mid-range game that's so crucial in playoff situations. The Jazz might not be championship contenders this season, but with Clarkson providing that scoring punch, they'll be a tough out for any team. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing how he meshes with the younger players - his experience could be invaluable for their development. The NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint, and having reliable veterans like Clarkson often makes the difference between making and missing the playoffs.