In the latest episode of CavsHQ, hosts John Michael and Rafa Hernandez-Brito asked newly-acquired guard Jordan Clarkson how his transition to the Cleveland Cavaliers is going.
As most hoops fans know by now, Clarkson, 25, came to the Cavs by way of their blockbuster trade deadline moves. In a sweeping change, the team decided to part ways with six players. In return, four new faces were welcomed to Northeast Ohio (Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr, George Hill, and Rodney Hood).
“What’s this been like for you?” Michael asked Clarkson. “What’s the transition been like?”
“It’s been exciting for me,” Clarkson replied. “You know, just having that change, coming here changing my mindset, knowing that we’re working towards one goal — and that’s winning and going deep into the Playoffs.”
“What’s it mean to you — being a young player and having LeBron (James) show confidence in you?” Michael asked.
“It’s definitely a great feeling,” Clarkson said in response. “Him being able to encourage everybody. Having a superstar guy like that, a Hall of Famer, a top-two player in our league — if not the best player in our league, I feel like. (He’s) just giving us all confidence, pushing us all to be better.”
Clarkson has made an immediate impact on both ends of the floor off the bench for the Cavs. The former University of Missouri standout has played in five games with his new team, averaging 14.2 points on 52.7 percent shooting from the field (39.1 percent from beyond the arc), 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
Clarkson noted that being traded with Nance Jr, who was his teammate with the Los Angeles Lakers, has made the transition a bit easier.
“Coming in with Larry… did that ease the transition at all?” Michael asked.
“It definitely did,” Clarkson replied. “We’re going on three years that I’ve been playing alongside Larry. It’s definitely something that made me feel a lot more comfortable about the trade. It’s kind of just coming together for us.”
Cleveland’s revamped second unit has played well. The reserves scored 47 points against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, which brought their average points per game mark to 41.9 (fourth-best in the NBA).
The new-look Cavs won their first two games together, but have registered a 1-2 record since. Their first shot at redemption comes on Tuesday night, as they’re scheduled to host the Brooklyn Nets. Tip-off inside Quicken Loans Arena is set for 7:00 p.m. EST with FOX Sports Ohio having live broadcast coverage.