The New York Knicks have agreed to a one-year contract with Jordan Clarkson worth $3.6 million, aiming to enhance bench scoring for the upcoming season. Signed during the offseason, this move focuses on adding a proven scorer to support the team’s starting lineup and provide depth.
Jordan Clarkson’s Impact as a Leading Bench Scorer
Jordan Clarkson has built a strong reputation as one of the NBA’s top bench contributors over the last five years. Since 2020, he has consistently led the league in points coming off the bench, demonstrating his scoring ability in limited minutes. While playing for the Utah Jazz, Clarkson averaged 17.5 points per game across six seasons and was honored with the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021 in recognition of his valuable role.
Jalen Brunson Welcomes Clarkson’s Arrival to the Team
Knicks star Jalen Brunson shared his enthusiasm for Jordan Clarkson’s signing during his podcast, highlighting the positive fit both on and off the court. Brunson expressed,
“Talked to him for a little bit. Good dude. Surrounds himself with good people that I know. A great addition for us, for sure.”
—Jalen Brunson, Knicks Point Guard
This endorsement reflects not only Clarkson’s scoring skill but also his alignment with the team’s culture and values.
Tackling the Knicks’ Bench Scoring Challenges
Last season, the Knicks faced difficulties generating offense from their bench, ranking near the bottom in total points and points per game from reserves. Adding Clarkson, the league’s highest scorer off the bench, is expected to reduce this offensive shortfall. His proven ability to score efficiently can relieve some of the offensive burden from Brunson and other starters.
Increasing Team Depth and Offensive Versatility
Beyond scoring, Clarkson brings ball-handling skills and shot creation to the Knicks’ second unit, adding versatility that has been lacking. In the previous season, he averaged 16.2 points per game while shooting 36 percent from three-point range across 37 games, most of which he played off the bench. This scoring depth is critical as the Knicks aim to improve their overall performance and competitiveness moving forward.