After trading away their two franchise cornerstones, no one expected much from the Utah Jazz this season. For his part, Jordan Clarkson approached the season as he had the ones prior: to be the best version of himself. In his first season as a starter since he arrived in Salt Lake City, he’s upped his production from last season’s Sixth Man of the Year averages to career highs across the board.
Is the uptick in production due to a new diet? More plays being called for him? The nail polish choices? Clarkson attributes his play to his training beginning earlier this past offseason in preparation for the World Cup Qualifiers, where he played for the Philippines national team.
GQ caught up with Clarkson where we discussed how playing deeper into the season changed the way he trained and ate during the regular season, the value of a cold brew after a game and why Popeyes is still great—just in moderation.
For Real-Life Diet, GQ talks to athletes, celebrities, and other high performers about their diet, exercise routines, and pursuit of wellness. Keep in mind that what works for them might not necessarily be healthy for you.
GQ: You’re averaging career highs across the board. Would you say there was something different you did in the offseason that has helped or is it just a case of you being ready to handle more being asked of you?
I think the biggest thing for me is just working smarter, not harder with all of the crazy hours on the court. A lot of the time was spent in the weight room. I think the biggest key for me coming into the season ready was playing in FIBA games this summer. I only played in two but having to go in there and perform at a high level to try and lead the Philippines national team—that took a lot of early preparation in the summer.
You’ve spent some time in the Philippines over the last couple of years outside of that. You have a favorite dish?
Chicken adobo!
At the beginning of your career, I’m sure you could eat anything you wanted. What were some of the things that were in your diet that you wouldn’t even think of touching now?
I think I still have the metabolism of a 20-year-old, honestly. I still eat the same stuff. I just try and cut back on the bad stuff. I still eat whatever I eat but I definitely focus more on the healthier choices of everything.
I do know Popeyes was a favorite of yours. Is that still the case and what’s the go-to there?
The four piece with red beans and rice. When I was younger, I probably could have Popeyes two to three times a da—or Wingstop. Get some McDonald’s breakfast and all kinds of stuff. Just cutting back on that has been a big focus as I got older. Now, it’s about feeling when I should do that. When I have my cheat days? I’ll go in on those days.
Christopher Cason
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