Jordan Clarkson Gets a Second Wind in New York After McBride Injury, Alvarado Trade
It’s been a tough stretch for Jordan Clarkson since landing in New York. After the Utah Jazz moved on from the veteran guard, the Knicks slotted him into a familiar role - instant offense off the bench, a spark plug scorer.
But so far, the results haven’t exactly turned heads. Clarkson’s averaging 9.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, and the advanced numbers haven’t been kind either.
His net rating with the Knicks sits at minus-8.5, and the team’s offense has actually improved when he’s off the floor.
But sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity to flip the script - and Clarkson just got his.
With the Knicks severely short-handed the other night, Clarkson was thrust into the starting lineup. He responded by playing a key role in New York’s gritty double-overtime win over Denver.
It wasn’t just a solid performance - it was a reminder of what Clarkson can still bring to a team when given the chance. And now, with Miles “Deuce” McBride sidelined indefinitely due to a core muscle injury that will require surgery, Clarkson’s role could expand in a big way.
McBride had carved out a critical spot in the Knicks’ rotation, especially on the defensive end. He brought energy, toughness, and a steady presence in the backcourt.
Losing him until potentially the playoffs is a significant blow. But it also opens the door for Clarkson to reassert himself in a meaningful way.
Let’s be clear: the numbers don’t paint Clarkson in the most flattering light this season. The Knicks are a modest +0.7 per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor, and a much stronger +9.2 when he’s off.
Even more surprising? The offense, which Clarkson is supposed to juice, has actually been more efficient without him - scoring 6.2 points more per 100 possessions when he’s on the bench.
But context matters. Clarkson hasn’t had a consistent role, and rhythm is everything for a player like him - a rhythm scorer who thrives on volume and confidence.
With McBride out, Clarkson has a chance to find that rhythm again. And if the Knicks can maintain stability while he’s on the floor, he could flip the narrative on what’s been a rocky season so far.
That said, Clarkson’s path to a bigger role just got a little more complicated.
The Knicks made a move to shore up their backcourt depth, acquiring Jose Alvarado from the Pelicans. Alvarado brings his own brand of energy - a defensive pest who can also provide a scoring punch off the bench. He’s not just a stopgap; he’s someone who can legitimately compete for minutes, especially while McBride recovers.
So what does this mean for Clarkson? It means the leash might still be short.
The Knicks clearly aren’t putting all their eggs in the Clarkson basket. But last night’s performance showed he’s not done yet.
At 33, Clarkson is in the latter stages of his career, but there’s still a window here - a chance to contribute to a playoff contender and remind everyone of the player who once won Sixth Man of the Year.
There’s no guarantee he holds onto the role. Alvarado is coming, and the Knicks are in win-now mode.
But Clarkson has the ball in his hands again - literally and figuratively. What he does with it from here could define the final chapter of his NBA story.