The New York Knicks have experienced a good deal of success in recent seasons, and they expect more to come this season. However, one thing that’s been missing has been a strong and consistent bench. That could very well change this season thanks to the arrival of Jordan Clarkson.

### Jordan Clarkson: A Boost for the Knicks’ Bench

The ClutchPoints’ 2025-26 NBA Pre-Season Media Poll supports this optimism. The annual pre-season media poll revealed that more reporters believe Clarkson will win Sixth Man of the Year (30%) than any other player. It wasn’t a close race, as Clarkson received almost 50% more votes than the runner-up, Naz Reid.

Granted, the 2024-25 poll was off on several awards, including MVP and Sixth Man of the Year, but awards are notoriously difficult to predict. Nevertheless, this accolade speaks volumes about the respect Clarkson’s skill set commands.

### Addressing New York’s Offensive Needs

New York was in desperate need of Clarkson’s abilities last season. The team struggled to generate offense from the second unit, averaging the second-fewest points per game in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. In fact, Clarkson averaged more points per game last season than the entire Knicks bench managed during the post-season.

Clarkson is known as a high-volume scorer, boasting a career average of 16 points per game. Since the 2019-20 season, he hasn’t averaged less than 16.2 points per game—a scoring threat New York can greatly benefit from.

This is partly why new coach Mike Brown is excited about Clarkson’s fit with the team. Speaking to MSG Network over the summer, Brown said:
“Jordan [Clarkson], the things that he can do, especially offensively. He’s a veteran guy. I know he’s hungry to win. He can score at all three levels. You’re excited with that coming to the table. He’s also a better playmaker than he’s given credit for. I’m looking forward to seeing some of that, too, because I’m huge when it comes to touching the paint and looking to spray that basketball out to get your teammates easy shots.”

Clarkson isn’t worried about fitting in either. “I’ll be able to fit anywhere,” he recently told the media. “Put me anywhere in the world and I’ll be good. I think that’s just me.”

### Versatility in Role and Playmaking

Clarkson’s confidence is understandable. He is a former Sixth Man of the Year winner (2020-21), earning that award with the Utah Jazz by averaging 18.4 points in 26.4 minutes per game. That kind of production fits well with his expected role this season.

He joins a revamped Knicks bench featuring players like Josh Hart, Miles McBride, and Guerschon Yabusele. This new reserves corps now has sufficient offensive firepower.

However, the unexpected retirement of Malcolm Brogdon has left the second unit without a true point guard. Clarkson, alongside McBride and Tyler Kolek, will be relied on to help fill that void. Despite a reputation for being an unwilling passer, Clarkson averaged a career-high five assists per game in the 2023-24 season—the last full season he played.

### Overcoming Recent Setbacks

The University of Missouri alum was shut down last season after playing just 37 games due to a plantar fasciitis injury in his left foot. However, with a healthy offseason behind him, Clarkson looks set to make a significant impact.

### High Expectations for the Knicks

The Knicks enter the 2025-26 season with extremely high expectations. The ClutchPoints pre-season poll also revealed that the Knicks are favored to win the Eastern Conference. Much of that presumed success hinges on the team’s revamped bench, and a significant portion of the confidence surrounding this group is due to the arrival of Jordan Clarkson.

Whether or not he wins the Sixth Man of the Year award, big things are expected from the 6-foot-3 guard as he takes on a pivotal role for the Knicks this season.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/new-york-knicks/knicks-sixth-man-candidate-help-transform-bench-unit