There is a good chance that Cleveland Cavs guard Jordan Clarkson will be making his debut for the Philippines’ National Team in the upcoming Asian Games, according to a report from Quinito Henson of philstar.com.
Clarkson, who’s mother is Filipina, has been given the final spot on Smart Gilas’ roster. However, there is a bit of a hang-up, so to speak, as he still needs clearance from the NBA and organizing committee.
“We are trying to move heaven and earth to make it happen but stars have to align. Hope he gets eligibility, NBA clearance and we agree on a deal,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio said via rappler.com.
Without a doubt, Clarkson, now 26 years of age, could help on both ends of the floor. The crafty two-guard split 81 games between the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers last regular season, racking up averages of 13.9 points on 45.1 percent shooting from the field (35.2 percent from beyond the arc), 2.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 23.2 minutes per outing.
Clarkson came to the Cavs last season, as part of a trade deadline deal. In a sweeping move, general manger Koby Altman and his staff decided to swap Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, Jae Crowder, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, Iman Shumpert, and their 2018 first-rounder for Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., George Hill, Rodney Hood, and a draft pick.
In World Cup qualifiers earlier this summer, several members of the Filipino National Team were hit with fines and suspensions after instigating an on-court brawl with the Australian National Team. If Clarkson indeed makes the team, maybe he can help iron out some of these proverbial kinks.
“Siyempre [I’m in favor],” Filipino head coach Yeng Guiao said of Clarkson possibly joining the team. “Of course I’m in favor.”