Tuesday, December 24, 2024

NBA Analysis Explains Why Milwaukee Bucks Should ‘Leave’ Former NBA Sixth Man of the Year

Even though the Milwaukee Bucks don’t have many moves to make right now, the team does have options if they want to improve their roster. However, according to one NBA analysis, the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led team would do well to let go of Utah Jazz point guard Jordan Clarkson.

As the Utah Jazz undergo a rebuilding phase, Jordan Clarkson’s role and trade value have become hot-button issues. Clarkson, a energetic scorer and former Sixth Man of the Year, averaged 17 points per game last season, showing his ability to ignite an offense. But at 31, his fit with a juvenile team is more complicated.

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December 26, 2023; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) takes a shot against San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

The Jazz are trying to establish a robust team culture while developing emerging talent. Clarkson’s experience is invaluable, but his shooting ability alone may not justify his place on the roster, especially as the team looks to the future. His defensive limitations present a challenge; standing out as a liability in that area could hinder the team’s playoff aspirations.

In addition, trading Danny Ainge, known for his shrewd negotiations, could be daunting. Ainge’s history suggests any deal could lead to long-term regret.

Milwaukee Bucks Called Out for Utah Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson in Latest NBA Analysis

Milwaukee Bucks, Jordan Clarkson
December 23, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) throws the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

While the Bucks have confined options for improving their roster, there are still some that the front office can utilize. In an article by Aitor Darias for the Behind the Buck passClarkson is not one of those options.

“First, this should be less of an issue if Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton have a healthy year, because it would be easier to have at least one of them on the court at all times and run a more consistent offense. Also, Gary Trent Jr. is better at creating his own shots than Malik Beasley, and Delon Wright can fill a traditional backup point guard role in an offensive setup without relying so much on one-on-one scoring.

The biggest problem with this trade, though, is the fact that the Bucks are currently on the second apron, meaning they can’t combine salaries in a trade and can’t get salary from it. So with Clarkson making $14 million this season, the only way to get him is to trade Giannis, Middleton, Lillard, or Brook Lopez. Which makes Clarkson’s price tag too high even consider this move” – wrote Daria.

Financially, Clarkson’s contract poses another obstacle. After signing $55 million extensionHis salary is set to drop to $15 million per year over the next two years, making him a potentially attractive asset to championship-contending teams. But his recent injury problems — playing in just 55 games last season — have raised concerns about his reliability.

Milwaukee Bucks, Jordan Clarkson
December 23, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson ((00) dribbles the ball past Toronto Raptors guard Malachi Flynn (22) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

As it stands, the Bucks could consider other options on the market, such as pursuing Kris Dunn. In any case, it would be prudent for general manager Jon Horst and head coach Doc Rivers to pass on the former Sixth Man of the Year.

Milwaukee Bucks, Jordan Clarkson
November 30, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Utah Jazz point guard Jordan Clarkson (00) watches his team play the Minnesota Timberwolves during the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

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