Jordan Clarkson is one of the NBA’s most intriguing stories—a dynamic scorer with a multicultural background, a decorated bench role that earned him league-wide recognition, and a career path that has taken him from hidden prospect to established veteran. Born in 1992 to a Filipina American mother and an African American father, Clarkson’s journey blends family, faith, and an undeniable ability to change games.
Quick facts
- Full name: Jordan Taylor Clarkson
- Born: June 7, 1992, Tampa, Florida
- Height / Position: Guard
- Citizenship: United States and Philippines
- Notable awards: NBA All-Rookie First Team, 2021 NBA Sixth Man of the Year
Early life and family
Jordan grew up in a military family. Both his parents served in the United States Air Force. His mother, Annette Tullao Davis, is Filipina American—her mother hailed from Bacolor, Pampanga in the Philippines—while his father, Mike Clarkson, is African American. The family relocated to San Antonio when Jordan was around six years old.
Jordan’s upbringing was shaped by the discipline of military life and a strong family connection to his Filipino roots. His parents divorced when he was young, and his father later remarried. Jordan has made his home in San Antonio as an adult, where he lives with his daughter.
High school and college: a steady climb
At Karen Wagner High School in San Antonio, Clarkson developed into a prolific scorer. By his senior year he was averaging 18.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.1 steals, leading the team to a 38–2 record and earning San Antonio High School Player of the Year honors.
He signed with the University of Tulsa in 2009 and made an immediate impact—earning Conference USA All-Freshman honors in 2011. After two seasons at Tulsa, Clarkson transferred to Missouri, sat out a year per NCAA rules, and then put together a standout 2013–14 season that landed him on the All-SEC Second Team and on the Wooden Award midseason top 25 list. He declared for the NBA draft after his junior year.
NBA journey: Lakers, Cavaliers, Jazz, and Knicks
Draft night and the Lakers (2014–2018)
Jordan was selected with the 46th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards and was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. He signed with the Lakers in August 2014 and, despite spending time in the Development League early on, burst onto the scene as a rookie starter.
As a starter, Clarkson averaged roughly 15.8 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.2 rebounds when given those minutes, and his overall play earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. In March 2015, paired with Jeremy Lin, Clarkson and Lin became the first Asian-American starting backcourt in NBA history—a milestone that resonated deeply with fans in the Philippines and beyond.
Cleveland Cavaliers (2018–2019)
In February 2018, Clarkson was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers along with Larry Nance Jr. He made an immediate offensive impact, scoring 17 points in his Cavs debut and playing a role on the team that reached the 2018 NBA Finals.
Utah Jazz (2019–2025)
December 2019 brought a trade to the Utah Jazz. Clarkson’s scoring punch became a major asset off the bench. Highlights with Utah include a season-high 37 points in January 2020 and a career-best 45 points on March 12, 2022. He re-signed with the Jazz on a 4-year, $52 million deal in November 2020.
The 2020–21 season was a career watershed. Clarkson averaged a career-high 18.4 points per game, led the NBA with 203 points off the bench, and won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award—the first Jazz player to win it.
On January 1, 2024, he recorded his first career triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, marking the first regular-season triple-double for a Jazz player since 2008. Injuries and incidents followed in later seasons, including a left-foot procedure for plantar fasciitis in March 2025 that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Clarkson reached a buyout agreement with Utah on June 30, 2025.
New York Knicks (2025–present)
After the buyout, Clarkson signed with the New York Knicks on July 7, 2025, bringing his veteran scoring and playmaking to a Knicks roster looking for bench production and backcourt depth.
Playing style and on-court strengths
Clarkson is best known for his scoring versatility. He can create shots off the dribble, attack closeouts with a quick first step, and step into pull-up jumpers. Over the years he evolved into a pure bench weapon capable of instant offense late in games.
Key traits:
- Scoring off the bounce: Excellent at creating midrange and three-point opportunities.
- Shot creation: Comfortable iso scorer and pick-and-roll threat.
- Bench leadership: Proven sixth man who changes the offensive rhythm.
Major achievements and milestones
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2015)
- NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2021)
- Part of the first Asian-American starting backcourt with Jeremy Lin (March 2015)
- Career-high 45 points (March 12, 2022)
- First regular-season Jazz triple-double since 2008 (January 1, 2024)
Personal life: family and relationships
Jordan is private about many aspects of his personal life, but a few points are public: he has a daughter, he resides in San Antonio, and he has been linked romantically to singer-songwriter Maggie Lindemann. His Filipino heritage remains an important part of his identity, and he has represented the Philippines at the national team level.
Contracts and net worth
Jordan’s on-court success translated into significant NBA contracts—most notably the 4-year, $52 million deal he signed with Utah in November 2020. After years of consistent production and extensions, his career earnings are substantial.
Net worth estimates can vary by source and fluctuate with new contracts and endorsements. Given his multi-year NBA deals and years in the league, Clarkson has accumulated considerable earnings, though exact net worth figures differ across outlets.
Notable incidents and injuries
Clarkson has had a few notable off-court moments and injuries in recent seasons. In December 2024 he was ejected following an on-court altercation and later fined. In March 2025 he underwent a medical procedure for plantar fasciitis that ended his season early and led to a buyout with the Jazz.
Legacy and impact
Jordan Clarkson’s career is a story of perseverance and adaptation. A second-round pick who fought for minutes, he became an All-Rookie selection, an award-winning sixth man, and a cultural touchstone for fans in the Philippines and Asian American communities. His ability to score in bunches and energize a bench makes him a valuable piece for teams seeking instant offense.
Where he stands now
As of mid-2025, Jordan Clarkson is a New York Knicks player, bringing veteran scoring punch and experience to a high-profile market. His journey from San Antonio to the global stage illustrates how skill, identity, and opportunity intersect in modern basketball.
Career timeline (summary)
- 1992: Born in Tampa, Florida
- 2009–2012: Tulsa Golden Hurricane
- 2012–2014: Missouri Tigers (redshirted 2012–13)
- 2014: Drafted 46th overall; traded to Lakers
- 2018: Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2019: Traded to Utah Jazz
- 2021: Wins NBA Sixth Man of the Year
- 2024: Records first career triple-double
- 2025: Buyout with Jazz; signs with New York Knicks
Jordan Clarkson remains one of those players who can change the tenor of a game with a quick scoring burst and a fearless approach. His mixed heritage and international ties add layers to his appeal, making him a player who matters both on and off the scoreboard.
Sam, a dedicated blogger, has immersed himself in the world of content creation for the past five years. His journey reflects a profound passion for storytelling and insightful commentary. Beyond the digital realm, Sam is a devoted NBA enthusiast, seamlessly blending his love for sports with his writing pursuits.