Jordan Clarkson discovering a completely different approach as his role with the Knicks diminishes

BOSTON — Jordan Clarkson’s New Role with the Knicks

Jordan Clarkson has built a reputation as a prolific secondary scorer throughout his lengthy career. In fact, he sits seventh on the all-time NBA list for points scored off the bench.

But things have been quite different since he joined the Knicks.

This season, Clarkson is experiencing the lowest metrics of his career—fewer minutes, points, and shot attempts—surpassing even his rookie year from over ten years ago.

In a recent interview, the 33-year-old shared that he’s been tasked with a more defensive position to cope with limited playing time and reduced scoring chances.

It’s a change he hadn’t anticipated after joining the team as a free agent last summer, yet he’s making an effort to adapt. “For me, it was really just fluctuations in play, in and out of the lineup. DNPs,” Clarkson noted, referencing the four healthy scratches he has experienced since late January. “Sometimes, you only get five minutes in a game. But it’s a whole new process and a new role for me, both offensively and defensively.”

“They want me to do it defensively. And offensively, I have to understand that and do something with the opportunities I get on offense,” he continued. “It’s not like I’m featured on offense or anything. So, it’s all new to me. But I’m going to stay professional, stay in the gym, work on my craft, and keep it going.”

Traditionally not recognized as a strong defender, Clarkson explained that he adjusts his defensive assignments based on his teammates on the court. “Sometimes you have to guard maybe a second or third option on another unit. I’m usually guarding a weaker player on another team,” he said. “But yeah, sometimes you’re asked to do that on different plays, but it’s all an adjustment.”

With Miles McBride sidelined until the playoffs, there’s a gap at the backup guard position. However, Clarkson faces competition from Shamet, rookie Jose Alvarado, and Tyler Kolek.

So far, Clarkson hasn’t played this little in his career.

“It’s not that big of an adjustment, but it definitely takes some getting used to,” he remarked. “I’m taking on a completely new role and I’m trying to be the best role I can for this team.”

On another note, Karl-Anthony Towns (right eye laceration), OG Anunoby (sore toe), and Josh Hart (ankle soreness) are questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the Celtics. Towns and Anunoby were absent from Friday’s game, which ended in a blowout against the Pistons, while Hart aggravated his ankle injury in the third quarter and did not return.