SALT LAKE CITY — Jordan Clarkson is returning to Utah with a lesser role and no regrets.
The backup Knicks guard, who has been mostly out of the rotation for almost two months, said he’s looking forward to the “happiness and joy” of his Jazz reunion Wednesday after 5 ½ award-winning seasons with the organization.
He’s also not harping on his lack of playing time because, as Clarkson explained before a three-minute cameo in Monday’s loss to the Clippers, he was never told to expect otherwise.
“I ain’t coming in expecting anything, honestly,” Clarkson said. “A lot of people made expectations on my arrival and what I can do and what I’ve done my whole career. But not knowing anything, I came here with an open canvas. I just knew one goal and what we wanted to do, and that’s to win.
“Talking to Josh [Hart] and Jalen [Brunson] before this, we never talked about anything but winning. We’re trying to get the goal done. Seeing those dudes last year make it to the Eastern Conference finals, and just want to help them and help this team get the end goal.”
Clarkson secured a buyout from the Jazz in the offseason as the final holdover of a more successful era, when Utah made six straight playoff appearances and twice advanced to the second round.
He was the spark-plug scorer off the bench under former coach Quin Snyder, and even won the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in 2021.
The breakup was also pretty clean — the team prioritized losing, and Clarkson agreed to forfeit roughly $3.6 million of his $14 million salary to hit free agency and sign with the Knicks.
He should get a warm welcome from the Salt Lake City fans Wednesday, however many show up (tickets on the secondary market cost as low as $10).
“That’s a home for me. I loved the organization. I love the coaching staff. Yeah, I love the city. All I had was love there,” Clarkson said. “So going back, I don’t know what my emotions are going to be. I’m going to try to keep my cool in terms of not feeling [emotional], just all the gratitude and everything that the city is giving me. But yeah, I don’t know how I’m going to feel yet.”
There’s a good chance he’ll get a video tribute. Significant playing time is a different story.
Clarkson’s opportunities dipped precipitously as coach Mike Brown began prioritizing Landry Shamet and started getting better results defensively.
Clarkson’s minutes, points, shot attempts and assists are all at career lows.
Clarkson lashed out at fans on social media after a game in Boston on Feb. 8, but has otherwise taken the high road. After all, the Jazz were — and they’re still — tanking.
The Knicks are trying to win the championship.
“You definitely value winning and being a part of this team and being part of this process in terms of what we want to do in terms of accomplishing winning,” Clarkson said. “But it’s been great. Everything has been purposeful and meaningful. I’m just trying to stay locked in for any moment and opportunity I get here. But it’s been fun.”
