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Knicks Rumors: Pros And Cons Of Pursuing Jordan Clarkson

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) dunks over Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Kings won 112-93. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) dunks over Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Kings won 112-93. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) dunks to score a basket against Utah Jazz during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) dunks to score a basket against Utah Jazz during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Athleticism

The single biggest issue with the New York Knicks’ backcourt in 2015-16 was an absence of ideal athleticism. Jose Calderon shot the lights out, and Arron Afflalo feasted from the mid-post, but neither had the necessary level of athleticism to overcome faster opponents.

If he provides nothing else whatsoever, Jordan Clarkson can be the explosive athlete that New York was longing for a season ago.

Clarkson’s ability to play above the rim and get out in transition are incredibly appealing. Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek plans to run something of an up-tempo offense, placing a much higher emphasis on transition scoring opportunities than Derek Fisher or Kurt Rambis did.

In 2015-16, the Knicks ranked dead last with 8.4 fast break points per game.

Clarkson, meanwhile, is an outstanding athlete and crafty ball-handler who thrives in the open court. He can easily play above the rim, has the speed to get out in front of a defense, and is comfortable running off-ball.

Gerald Green averaged 14.0 points in 24.2 minutes—20.8 per 36 minutes—during two seasons under Hornacek, and Clarkson could provide similar production with superior versatility.

Next: Con

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