The New York Knicks are preparing to enhance their backcourt by adding seasoned guard Jordan Clarkson, who is set to be bought out by the Utah Jazz ahead of the upcoming NBA season. This acquisition aims to fill the gap left by Landry Shamet, who departed as a free agent after just one season with New York, marking a significant roster adjustment for the Knicks.
Analyzing Clarkson’s Impact on the Knicks
Sports analyst Andy Bailey from Bleacher Report evaluated the Knicks’ decision to sign Clarkson, assigning the move a solid B grade. He highlighted that while Clarkson’s scoring efficiency has been below average over the past two seasons, his ability to energize the offense off the bench remains valuable. Bailey noted,
“Jordan Clarkson has never been a terribly efficient scorer, but he’s still found a way to dip below his career standards over the last two seasons,”
drawing attention to Clarkson’s effective field-goal percentage of 47.8%, which trails the league average by 6.7 percentage points.
Despite this dip in scoring efficiency, Clarkson has developed his playmaking skills, averaging 4.5 assists per game over the past three seasons. For a Knicks squad that has been in need of scoring support from its second unit, Clarkson represents a promising addition to their offensive arsenal for the 2024-25 season.
Clarkson’s New Beginning and Championship Ambitions
At 33 years old, Clarkson averaged 16.2 points per game during his final season with the Jazz, despite limited court time caused by a foot injury and the team‘s shift toward rebuilding with younger talents. As he transitions to the Knicks, Clarkson’s primary motivation is clear: to compete for his first NBA championship.
Having previously made an NBA Finals appearance with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018 and participated in playoff runs with the Utah Jazz from 2020 to 2022, Clarkson has been absent from postseason play for three years. Joining the Knicks offers him a renewed chance to help lead a competitive team back into playoff contention.
Role and Expectations Under Coach Mike Brown’s Leadership
With Mike Brown now at the helm as the Knicks’ head coach, Clarkson will compete for meaningful minutes and the opportunity to influence outcomes on the court. His experience and scoring ability align well with the team’s goals to improve performance and chase a title in the coming season. Clarkson’s presence on the roster signifies a strategic effort by the Knicks to add veteran depth and spark to their backcourt ahead of what promises to be a crucial campaign.