The New York Knicks’ Free Agency Moves
The New York Knicks faced challenges as they ventured into the free agency period, with limited options to enhance their roster. Nevertheless, they made efforts to boost their offensive flexibility by securing two key players.
Key Acquisitions
On the initial day of free agency, the Knicks announced an agreement with guard Jordan Clarkson, followed by a two-year contract worth $12 million for forward Guerschon Yabusele on the second day, which includes a player option for the final season. With these acquisitions, the Knicks aim to increase their shot creation ability and perimeter shooting, which was a critical area of concern in the past season.
Addressing Bench Production
Historically, the Knicks have struggled with bench production, ranking last in the league last season with an average of 21.7 bench points and performing poorly during the playoffs as well. The addition of Clarkson and Yabusele promises to provide the much-needed scoring depth that was previously lacking.
Jordan Clarkson’s Impact
Clarkson, a veteran who has spent 11 seasons in the NBA, is known for his consistent scoring. Despite not always being the most efficient player, he has maintained an average of at least 15 points per game for the last seven years, even while serving mostly in a bench role. His gameplay is characterized by effective shot creation, particularly in high-pressure situations. For instance, in the last season, he recorded a 36% shooting rate on pull-up three-point attempts. This capability becomes even more crucial for the Knicks, who relied heavily on Jalen Brunson for outside shooting during their playoff campaign.
While Clarkson has weaknesses as a finisher near the rim, with a 58.4% success rate in restricted areas in recent years, he is adept at penetrating defenses, which could create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Additionally, he has shown improvement in his passing, averaging 4.5 assists over the last three seasons, compared to his earlier lower averages. This dual-threat capability makes him a valuable asset for when Brunson is not on the court.
Guerschon Yabusele’s Role
On the other hand, Yabusele, standing at 6’8”, is a replacement for Precious Achiuwa. His three-point shooting is particularly notable—last season he hit 38% of his long-range attempts, a significant upgrade over Achiuwa’s performance. As a forward who can stretch the floor, Yabusele bolsters the Knicks’ frontcourt while also allowing the option to deploy five shooters on the court simultaneously, enhancing spacing for players like Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, who often faced defensive congestion in the paint.
Despite his imposing 260-pound frame, Yabusele showed effectiveness at driving to the hoop, achieving a remarkable 71% completion rate in restricted scoring areas last year, making him a formidable presence on fast breaks.
Defensive Considerations
However, neither Clarkson nor Yabusele significantly enhances the Knicks’ defensive capabilities. Clarkson’s defensive skills are under scrutiny, as opposing teams might exploit his limitations by isolating him against their top offensive players. Similarly, while Yabusele may struggle as a lateral defender and rim protector, his role with the Knicks is expected to be focused on the four position, which could minimize these defensive drawbacks.
Conclusion
Both signings can be viewed as moderate additions rather than game-changing moves. Nonetheless, they provide essential depth for a Knicks squad that, during the last playoffs, often leaned on just seven players in its rotation. With these new signings, coach Mike Brown now has a broader set of options and tactical flexibility for the upcoming regular season and playoffs.
