NBA Playoffs: Six X-factors for the Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz

NBA Playoffs: Six X-factors for Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 08: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz fouls Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 08, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, NBA playoffs (Photo by Ashley Landis – Pool/Getty Images) /

Jordan Clarkson

A midseason acquisition for the team desperately in need of guard play off the bench, Jordan Clarkson has been better than expected for the Jazz so far. His play-making has dipped a little in Utah but overall he has been a welcome presence.

In 24.7 minutes per game, Clackson is averaging 15.6 points and 2.8 rebounds. He often plays in an off-ball role, essential when playing alongside Donovan Mitchell, who boasts a usage rate of 30.3 percent.

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Since the restart of the season, his minutes have dipped slightly but his scoring is up. He is shooting a solid 36.7 percent from three. He has about as neutral of an impact (10.5 net rating) but as the rotation gets cut shorter in the playoffs this is likely to improve.

With their limited bench, Jordan Clarkson is the only guard to come off the bench for this team and will likely have to play some point guard in addition to his natural shooting guard position. He is most effective as a catch and shoot player, boasting an effective field goal percentage of 58.7 percent.

Playing alongside either Mitchell would benefit him well. He will get that chance in a playoff environment with Conley missing at least the first two games for the birth of his child. Being in the right place to catch a smart pass from Gobert will unlock even more of his game. He fits this team much better than Emmanuel Mudiay and will look to prove he can be part of a winning team in this series.