Utah Jazz super scorer Jordan Clarkson is eager to represent both his team and the Philippines, should he be chosen in the 2023 National Basketball Association All-Star Game.
The 72nd edition of the All-Star event will take place on 19 February in Salt Lake City, where the first All-Star game was held 30 years ago.
With millions of Filipinos worldwide voting for the 6-foot-5 swingman, Clarkson is hopeful he would play in the All-Star.
“It would be great to represent the state as well as Filipinos everywhere else in the world,” he said.
“It’s gonna be super cool in Salt Lake, where I’ll have the opportunity to show the city off. I feel like Salt Lake City is a city that’s kinda small. But, as soon as everybody gets off the plane, they’ll really gonna recognize, know that they’re in Salt Lake and it’s beautiful here.”
The 2020-2021 NBA Sixth Man of the Year also talked about how it feels to play in a state like Utah compared to a country like the Philippines.
“It’s very similar. At the (Araneta) coliseum, it’s super loud though. Everybody comes out and supports, every game is sold out. I think that’s the best part about being here (Utah). You got the city, the state. You represent all of them,” he said.
Clarkson has emerged as the Jazz’s vocal leader, strengthening his chances of becoming an All-Star.
He has embraced the role fully.
“For me, it’s just the game slowing down; picking my points throughout the game to be aggressive. It’s also to be aggressive for my teammates, not only to be aggressive to score and make shots,” Clarkson explained.
“It’s more of being aggressive, drawing defenders, and making the next play.”
“I think our team has been growing, honestly,” added Clarkson whose team is now 23-24 after a 10-3 start.
“I think we have the toughest schedule in the NBA this year. But, I see a lot of growth in us in the second half of the season. You’ll really see us peaking into gear, string off some games, and going on a good win streak that will bring us back to the top,” he said.
