NBA: Jordan Clarkson heaps praise at Jazz coach Will Hardy

Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on January 07, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Michael Reaves/Getty Images/AFP

MANILA, Philippines—What was supposed to be a rebuilding season for the Utah Jazz turned out to be a year in the middle of the NBA season.

The Jazz, despite trading away cornerstones Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert in the offseason, are currently eighth in the Western Conference with a 22-23 record.

He also parted ways with longtime trainer Quin Snyder and tapped Will Hardy to take the picture.

Hardy, according to Clarkson, is one of the reasons why the Jazz are in the thick of the fight for a playoff spot.

“I have a great coach in Quinn, but Will has done an incredible job of getting everyone comfortable and getting everyone energized and willing for this team to compete and win,” Clarkson told Filipino reporters on Friday.

Clarkson, 30, is averaging 20.7 points and 4.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game.

Aside from Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, who was part of the deal that sent Mitchell to Cleveland, also played his best basketball averaging 24.5 points on 52 percent shooting from the field and 8.5 rebounds per outing.

Both made a case for All-Star selection.

Clarkson also attributes the players’ success to Hardy.

“He’s amazing. He’s one of the smartest coaches I’ve seen in this league in terms of Xs and Os. [Also] He puts everyone in place to be successful,” the Fil-American guard said.

“Will has done a good job of communicating with us, talking to us and he’s not older. It’s quite good, very good. We can tell you about other things that I’ve been through,” he said.

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