FILE — Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz shoots the ball over Jeremy Lamb #26 of the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 7, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lauren Bacho/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines — NBA legend Charles Barkley thinks Jordan Clarkson deserves to be in this year’s All-Star Game more than Anthony Davis.
The Fil-American Clarkson has been playing his best basketball so far with the Utah Jazz this season, averaging 18.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists off the bench to be the early frontrunner for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
“He’s been the best bench player in the NBA this year, they got the best record in the NBA this year,” Barkley said on TNT’s pre-game show.
“You know, most people don’t know this but he has been fantastic and that’s why I got him on my list.”
Davis, on the other hand, has not been playing up to his standards after coming off a championship run with the Los Angeles Lakers.
FILE –Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) celebrates after making a three pointer during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in game 4 of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
“Is Anthony Davis a better player? Yes. But Anthony Davis is not playing like an All-Star this year,” Barkley cleared.
Davis, the seven-time All-Star, has also struggled to remain healthy this season. He was recently diagnosed with a calf strain and will be out for an estimated four weeks.
“We’re about who has the best year, not who’s the better player,” Barkley said.
This year’s All-Star Game will be held on March 7 in Atlanta.