FILE – Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz dribbles during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on March 03, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Dwyane Wade already set a path for himself leading into the Hall of Fame but there’s still that tinge of desire that has him envisioning himself to a second NBA life.
The three-time NBA champion said that if ever he returns in the NBA, the one player he’d like to be is Utah Jazz’s sixth man Jordan Clarkson.
“If I could come back again in the NBA, I want to be Jordan Clarkson. I don’t want to be a superstar because I want to keep my knees good and all that,” said Wade on NBA on TNT. “I want to be Jordan Clarkson: come off the bench, shoot it anytime I want, ultra-green light, dress fly as hell, just go home after and chill.”
“If I could come back again in the NBA I want to be Jordan Clarkson.” @DwyaneWade loves Clarkson’s game. pic.twitter.com/CgrNTEPCO7
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 17, 2021
Obviously, Wade and Clarkson are nowhere near each other in terms of accomplishments and notoriety, but the Jazz guard has been making a name for himself as one of the most dependable role players in the league this season.
Clarkson is averaging 18.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 44 percent from the floor and 37% from deep in 26 minutes a game.
The 6-foot-4 guard was also instrumental in the Jazz’ 117-109 win over the Boston Celtics, putting up 20 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
“I never set a cap on myself.” @JordanClarksons discusses his role as 6th man with @SHAQ & @DwyaneWade. pic.twitter.com/Mu0jQFyuTa
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 17, 2021
Wade, a 13-time All-Star and considered as one of the best shooting guards ever, also praised Clarkson after Utah’s win over the Celtics.
“Before the game ended, I talked about it at halftime, if I can come back and be an NBA player I want to be Jordan Clarkson because I love your role man. I love the way that you come in and get right to it,” said Wade, who scored 23,165 points in his career.
“You take it seriously. But I also love your style, your fashion off the court man so I’m a big fan. I just want to say keep what you’re doing man and keep going.”