Jordan Clarkson's journey with the New York Knicks this season has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. Early on, he was often seen as a liability, with his on-off net rating among the worst on the team. His benching in late January seemed to be the catalyst for a remarkable turnaround, sparking a 20-7 run that breathed new life into the Knicks' season.
Initially, Clarkson’s absence from the lineup was seen as a key reason for the team’s defensive resurgence. But recently, he’s flipped the script, making a case for himself on the court. The Knicks have won four straight, but not without challenges, needing to fight hard against teams they should have outmatched.
After a tough sweep in Los Angeles, the Knicks faced a potential setback against the Utah Jazz, trailing by 15 points early on. Enter Clarkson.
With his team struggling, coach Mike Brown turned to him in the second half, and Clarkson delivered spectacularly. His 19 points on near-perfect shooting helped the Knicks claw back for a crucial win.
This isn't just a one-off performance, either. Over the last four games, Clarkson has been on fire, averaging nearly 15 points in under 22 minutes per game. His shooting percentages are through the roof, and his presence on the court has been a game-changer, with the Knicks outscoring opponents significantly during his minutes.
However, there’s a catch. Clarkson’s recent shooting spree is a small sample size, and such hot streaks are hard to sustain.
His game is high-risk, high-reward; when his shots aren’t falling, his impact can swing dramatically in the other direction. He doesn’t contribute much in other areas like rebounding or defense, making him a bit of a wildcard.
So, where does this leave the Knicks with Clarkson? It’s a balancing act.
While his recent performances have been invaluable, it doesn’t mean he should be a staple in the rotation. His overall impact this season has still been negative, with the team performing better statistically when he’s off the court.
Yet, Clarkson’s ability to ignite an offense when it’s sputtering is undeniable. He’s a potent weapon when the Knicks need a spark, especially in tight games. As the playoffs loom, Brown would be wise to use Clarkson strategically, leveraging his scoring ability when the team is in a bind.
Clarkson’s role is clear: he’s not the consistent rotation player but rather the offensive catalyst when needed. His knack for creating shots and his fearless approach make him a valuable asset in the right moments. The Knicks should keep him ready for those situations where his high-risk, high-reward style can tip the scales in their favor.