SALT LAKE CITY–Who knew that the number double zero would become so iconic in the state of Utah? Jordan Clarkson recently made his return home to Salt Lake City in a game against the Utah Jazz on March 11, 2026–His first time back at the Delta Center since being bought out by the team. 

“That’s a home for me,” Clarkson told the New York Post before his homecoming game at the Delta Center. “I loved the organization. I love the coaching staff. Yeah, I love the city. All I had was love there.”

Even though he’s a New York Knick now, Clarkson will forever be remembered as the sixth man legend for the Jazz. Clarkson’s impact on the team and state goes way beyond his play on the court. 

The Flamethrower on the Court

The six years Clarkson spent with the Jazz saw the sixth man averaging 17.3 points per game, 3.3 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. The Jazz traded for the guard in 2019 for one purpose: putting the ball in the hoop. Upon entering the court in his second game as a Jazzman on Dec. 28, 2019, the Flamethrower made his presence known. 

He scored 19 points, four rebounds, and two assists, helping the Jazz to a major blowout victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Clarkson’s accolades didn’t end there, though.

On March 12, 2022, Clarkson broke a Jazz franchise record for points scored by a player off the bench. He out-dueled Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox, who scored 41 points – Clarkson managed to score 45 points, two assists, one steal, and one block.

The only other player to come close to that record is the Jazz’s new wing Brice Sensabaugh, who scored 43 points off the bench against the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 14, 2026.

Winning Awards

One of the guard’s greatest accomplishments in his career was winning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021. That year, he led all bench players in scoring, averaging 18.4 points per game. He also played a monumental role in helping the Jazz secure the number one seed that year in the Western Conference.

The Sixth Man of the Year wasn’t Clarkson’s only award he earned in his time in Utah. When the NBA All-Star game returned to Salt Lake City in 2023, Clarkson competed in the Skills Challenge with teammates Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton. Team Jazz ended up winning the Skills Challenge, giving Jazz Nation something to cherish during the All-Star game’s second appearance in the Wasatch Front.

When asked about what it meant to him, Clarkson answered: “Do it for Utah man, appreciate everyone showing up. Y’all already know, let’s keep putting out for the city, represent, love.”

The Triple-Double Drought Over!

Breaking the triple-double drought for the Jazz was something special. The great Carlos Boozer was the last player to do it on Feb. 13, 2008, beating the Seattle Super Sonics. To put that into more context, the last time the Jazz had a player record a triple-double was against a team that disbanded under 20 years ago, and the son of the player who recorded the triple-double will enter the league this year.

Jan. 1, 2024, became etched in Jazz legend. Not only was it a rematch against the Dallas Mavericks after the infamous masterpiece of dog poop game, but it further marked a new age in Jazz history. Throughout the games, fans and broadcasters began to notice Clarkson’s stats creeping up ever so slightly. The guard managed to score 20 points and 11 assists, but he was stuck on nine rebounds.

In the waning minutes of the fourth quarter, one of the Mavericks players missed a shot, which bounced out into the air. Every other Jazz player on the court knew the mission: let Clarkson grab that rebound. The Sixth Man leapt up, grabbed the ball, and the entire stadium erupted in a frenzy. Clarkson made history, becoming a Utah legend in the process.

Changing Perceptions Off the Court 

One of the many criticisms of the state of Utah is that big-name players can’t find fame and promotion within the market. Critics say the state is too small a market for anyone to acquire the sponsorships needed to really be seen.

Clarkson broke that stigma by starring in commercials for Lululemon to promote his brand and showed up on every Coors Light billboard in Utah. He even partnered with DoorDash for a time. Besides business promotions, Clarkson showed that players, besides John Stockton and Karl Malone, can embrace Salt Lake City. Many players around the league still have misconceptions about the city and its people.

Many players still describe the town as small, boring, and void of many bars. Now, there may be some truth to that statement. The state of Utah is stricter on its drinking laws, and while it doesn’t have any fun resort casinos, the state has evolved past the 1990s. People within the state have become more forward-thinking.

Plus, there are plenty of nightlife clubs and bars in the town if you know where to go. Not to mention, Park City, Utah, isn’t that far away, which offers a similar type of lavish lifestyle as well. Also, the mountains are legitimately in your backyard.

Clarkson embraced the city with love and care, even though most players chose to put it down. He really showed that this place was something special and that the fans will always have your back.

A Legacy of Love

Between his numerous outstanding game performances, funny moments, and everything in between, Utah will always revere and love Clarkson. 

Clarkson will be welcomed back with open arms by everyone here. Maybe one day he’ll visit like Boris Diaw. Or if fate has it, he could return next year and finish the rest of his career on the Jazz. Either way, the number double zero will forever hang in the rafters of Jazz Nation’s hearts.

The post How Big Was Jordan Clarkson’s Impact on Utah? appeared first on The Lead.