Knicks bolster bench strength with Clarkson’s signing in pursuit of long-awaited championship
The New York Knicks made a significant move this offseason, enhancing their bench with the addition of Jordan Clarkson on a one-year, $3.6 million contract. This strategic acquisition comes as the Knicks look to address a glaring weakness from last season, where they finished at the bottom of the NBA in both points per game and total bench scoring.
A Proven Scorer Joins the Ranks
Bringing in Clarkson, recognized as the league’s most prolific bench scorer of the 2020s, marks a pivotal step for the Knicks. Since the 2019-20 season, Clarkson has amassed an impressive 4,589 points off the bench, leading the NBA by a significant margin. His capability to light up the scoreboard was exemplified during his tenure with the Utah Jazz, where he earned the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021 after averaging 18.4 points per game. Even in the previous season, Clarkson maintained a strong performance, contributing an average of 16.2 points per game while coming off the bench.
Clarkson Shares His Motivation for the Move
In a recent conversation with The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III, Clarkson expressed enthusiasm about joining the Knicks, citing their competitive nature as a primary factor in his decision. “I made my choice to come here and suit up,” he remarked. “The team was really good. They’re playing for something.”
Clarkson noted that the Knicks, who made a deep playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, were at the top of his list during free agency. He also discussed the contrasting timelines between his new team and the Utah Jazz, emphasizing a commitment to winning. “I’m a competitor at the end of the day,” he said. “(Utah’s) timeline just didn’t add up with mine. And that’s no disrespect.”
Aiming for Championship Glory
With Clarkson now in the fold, the Knicks are setting their sights on elevating their game as they strive for their first NBA championship since 1973. Following a strong performance last season, where they narrowly missed the NBA Finals, the team is more determined than ever to break their championship drought. With the infusion of Clarkson’s scoring prowess, the Knicks hope to transform their bench into a formidable asset as they chase postseason success.
