Clarkson, Yabusele to Have Crucial Impact on New-Look Knicks

The New York Knicks made two impact signings this offseason, inking Jordan Clarkson to a veteran minimum deal and Guerschon Yabusele with most of their taxpayer mid-level exception.

Clarkson and Yabusele will likely join New York’s bench unit, which averaged only 21.7 points per game last season— the worst in the NBA by a wide margin. 

Mike Brown is expected to utilize his bench more than Tom Thibodeau did, so Clarkson and Yabusele are likely to play major roles in Brown’s lineup configuration.

Clarkson’s offensive involvement

Jordan Clarkson had one year left on his contract when the Utah Jazz decided to buy him out, allowing him to test free agency.

The Knicks wasted no time and signed Clarkson the same day Utah completed a buyout with him. Clarkson will have a massive role in New York’s offense in the “non-Jalen Brunson” minutes.

Mike Brown recently coached Malik Monk, who finished in the top five in Sixth Man of the Year voting in back-to-back seasons. While older and having more mileage in the league, Clarkson should bring a similar dynamic to the Knicks under Brown.

The former Sixth Man of the Year has always had an uncanny knack for scoring in bunches, but over the past two seasons, playing for a struggling Utah team has stifled Clarkson’s impact. Clarkson’s true shooting ranked in the 30th percentile last season, meaning he simply missed many shots, especially since his shot quality is in the 75th percentile.

Legendary NBA commentator Mike Breen hilariously criticized his shot selection when the Jazz visited the Knicks last season.