Knicks’ New Veteran Scorer Struggles to Find His Place
The New York Knicks have acquired veteran scorer Jordan Clarkson, but his transition has not been seamless. In a recent game, the Knicks secured a 119-111 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, yet Clarkson’s performance raised concerns. His struggles on the court were reflective of a larger trend that fans and analysts alike have noted.
Clarkson’s Underwhelming Debut
In his debut for the Knicks during the 2025-26 season, Clarkson played for just over 13 minutes. He managed to hit only two of seven field-goal attempts and failed to score from beyond the arc. Additionally, he recorded two fouls, two rebounds, and two assists, raising questions about his performance.
Impact of Teammates on Clarkson
With Malcolm Brogdon having retired and Josh Hart unavailable due to a back injury, Clarkson’s role was expected to increase. However, he lagged behind teammates like Miles McBride and Landry Shamet in playing time. This scenario indicates that Clarkson is struggling to find his place within the Knicks’ lineup.
Historical Performance Trends
Jordan Clarkson has had a storied career in the NBA, highlighted by his 2020-21 Sixth Man of the Year award. However, recent seasons have shown a steady decline in his performance:
| Season | PPG | APG | TS% | BPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 18.4 | 2.5 | 54.9 | 1.4 |
| 2021-22 | 16.0 | 2.5 | 53.2 | -0.6 |
| 2022-23 | 20.8 | 4.4 | 55.8 | -1.4 |
| 2023-24 | 17.1 | 5.0 | 52.1 | -4.5 |
| 2024-25 | 16.2 | 3.7 | 54.0 | -1.5 |
Challenges Ahead
Despite statistical improvements in passing, Clarkson’s defensive issues persist. His recent preseason performance also hinted at possible struggles, with shooting percentages below expectations. Fans of the Knicks will be watching closely. If he can regain his scoring touch, Clarkson might still become a valuable asset. However, the time for adjustment may be limited given current team dynamics.
As Jordan Clarkson attempts to establish his place with the New York Knicks, teams will be scrutinizing his every move on the court. The continuation of his decline poses questions about both his future and the Knicks’ offensive strategy moving forward.
