Knicks vs. Jazz: Game Overview
In the recent matchup against the Utah Jazz, the New York Knicks won decisively with a score of 146-112. Forward Guerschon Yabusele only made an appearance after nearly 40 minutes had elapsed. Though he managed to score a season-high 11 points in just over nine minutes, the context of the game—already heavily in favor of the Knicks—suggests that his integration into the team’s rotation is a work in progress.
Challenges in Yabusele’s Role
With OG Anunoby returning from a lengthy absence, it further complicated Yabusele’s position, as rookie Mohamed Diawara also took minutes away from him earlier in the game.
After securing Yabusele on a two-year, $11.3 million contract via the taxpayer midlevel exception, the Knicks hoped he would energize a bench that struggled last season, placing last in NBA’s scoring rankings. Unfortunately, the results have not reflected this expectation; Yabusele’s performance has dropped significantly. Averaging only 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds over 10.1 minutes across 21 games, Yabusele’s current statistics starkly contrast with the previous season, where he posted averages of 11.0 points and 5.6 rebounds in 70 games.
Playing Time and Positioning
The Knicks have opted for a smaller lineup this season, limiting Yabusele’s playing time to a maximum of around 17 minutes in any single game. His appearances are brief, typically lasting three to four minutes before substitutions occur, relegating him to a role much less impactful than his time with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Last season with the 76ers, Yabusele primarily played as a center, primarily due to injuries among key players like Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond; 73% of his minutes were spent at center. However, with the Knicks, that proportion has declined to just 40%, as Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson dominate the center position. Even when Robinson is off the court, younger big man Ariel Hukporti steps in. Coach Mike Brown indicated that positioning Yabusele at the four limits his chances to serve effectively as a screener.
Offensive Dynamics and Future Prospects
Yabusele is a player who thrives with momentum on drives, making him difficult for defenders to handle when given space. However, with his current role as a floor spacer, a staggering 65.6% of his shot attempts this season come from the three-point line, a jump from 48.7% the previous year. Yet, he struggles, sinking just 27.5% of those attempts. He has also seen a decline in dunks, tallying only one so far this season after finishing last season with 44.
In terms of offensive dynamics, utilizing Yabusele in transition could be beneficial. His scoring from fast breaks has plummeted, dropping from 12.4% of his total points while with the 76ers to 4.8% with the Knicks. Despite Brown’s intentions to increase the team’s pace of play, the Knicks currently sit near the bottom of the league in this category at 26th place.
The Knicks brought Yabusele in hoping for increased offensive contributions. However, without a key role in the current rotation, it’s unclear how much longer he will remain on the floor. The depth on the roster has improved since last season, but the Knicks still face challenges with size on the perimeter as reserves like Miles McBride and Jordan Clarkson are under the height threshold of 6-foot-4. As the season progresses, there’s a possibility that the longer athletic rosters of Eastern Conference rivals like the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons may open up opportunities for Yabusele to regain his footing. Yet, the early part of the season raises valid concerns regarding his integration into the team’s plans.
