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FILE–Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz. Alex Goodlett/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines – Jordan Clarkson believes he has become an All-Star caliber player after settling into a leadership role for the revamped Utah Jazz this NBA season.
As one of the few holdovers for the Jazz, Clarkson has shined as the team’s starting point guard, averaging 20.7 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 43 games as Utah sits ninth in the Western Conference with a record of 21- 23.
Emerging as a leader for the young squad, the Filipino-American cager is happy to represent Utah and the Philippines in the All-Star game held at home court on February 19.
“I think I’m playing at an All-Star caliber,” Clarkson said during a virtual media availability with the Philippine media on Friday.
“I think I’m playing at a high level. I know in the West they get a lot of talented guards but I think I can represent Utah and the Philippines in the All-Star game. If it happens I’ll be thankful and happy,” he added.
However, Clarkson was not part of the top 10 guards in the West’s All-Star poll, led by Golden State star Stephen Curry with 3,901,808 votes, followed by Dallas’ Luka Doncic with 3,649,647 in the second fan vote return. Voting ends on January 22, 12:59 Philippine time.
WEST All-Star is back for the 2nd time! Do you agree? 👀
Vote today with #NBAAllStar Voting is provided by AT&T on the NBA App and https://t.co/Pqxh2EPubW.
🗳 https://t.co/LjC1Z2MlQM pic.twitter.com/etvBGSJtLG
— NBA (@NBA) January 12, 2023
NBA coaches will select All-Star reserves.
Although the 30-year-old guard dreams of playing in the All-Star spectacle, the focus remains on leading the Jazz to get more wins to improve the standings before the break.
“Right now, it’s not very concentrated [All-Star]. [I’m] concentrate on getting those wins and trying to rebuild this team to the top of the West,” Clarkson said. “We’ve got to win more games before the All-Star break, [which will] slightly push us up. “
Clarkson is just grateful for all the votes he received, especially from the Filipino fans who campaigned for him to be part of the Utah All-Star Weekend.
“It makes me very happy to be loved and supported. It’s the best feeling. For me, I always want to represent myself, my family, my country in the All-Star game and just feel the love as always,” he said.
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