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.
https://twitter.com/nba_newyork/status/1939813811390685589?s=61
Yabusele brings a well-rounded game
Guerschon Yabusele to the Knicks was one of the most surprising signings this offseason. San Antonio was thought to be the top contender to lure Yabusele away from Philly.
However, Yabusele chose to sign with the Sixers’ Eastern Conference rival. He had a strong return to the NBA season with the 76ers, averaging 11.0 points (50% FG, 38% 3PT, 73% FT), 5.6 rebounds, and starting 43 of his 70 appearances.
Yabusele brings grit, physicality, and valuable wing depth to a team that lacked a consistent backup behind Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. He does not have one standout skill but instead offers a well-rounded game, forcing turnovers, protecting the rim, rim-running, and consistent three-point shooting.
A caveat to Yabusele’s contract is that he signed for slightly less than the full taxpayer mid-level exception. Now, the Knicks will have more room below the second apron to sign a player to the veteran minimum and another to a standard rookie contract. Mohamed Diawara and Kevin McCullar are the likely candidates.
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