Jordan Clarkson
A dynamic scoring guard who became the first NBA player of Filipino descent, energizing a global fanbase with his fearless play.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American-Filipino basketball player·Birthday: June 7·Millennials
Biography
Jordan Clarkson's path to the NBA was anything but straightforward. After a promising start at Tulsa, he transferred to Missouri, where his explosive scoring ability turned heads. Drafted in the second round by the Lakers in 2014, he quickly proved his worth, earning a spot on the All-Rookie First Team. His career, however, found its defining rhythm when he joined the Utah Jazz. Embraced as a sixth-man sparkplug, he captured the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021, becoming the heart of the team's second unit. Beyond the stats, Clarkson's significance is cultural; as the league's first player of Filipino heritage, he carries the hopes of a basketball-mad nation, his every crossover and step-back three celebrated from Manila to Salt Lake City. His game is a blend of audacious shot-making and relentless energy, making him one of the most watchable reserves in the league.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jordan was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jordan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Jordan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021 with the Utah Jazz.
- Named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2015 after being a second-round draft pick.
- Became the first NBA player of Filipino descent, paving the way for international talent.
- Averaged a career-high 18.4 points per game in the 2020-21 season, leading all reserves in scoring.
Did You Know?
He holds both American and Filipino citizenship and has represented the Philippines in international competition.
Clarkson is an accomplished pianist and has played since childhood.
His father, Mike Clarkson, was a professional basketball player for the Harlem Globetrotters.
He was traded on the same day he was drafted in 2014, from Washington to the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I just go out there and play free. That's when I'm at my best.”
