Knicks Rumors: Pros And Cons Of Pursuing Jordan Clarkson

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Mar 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) handles the ball as Brooklyn Nets guard Donald Sloan (right) defends during the first quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Con: Running Point

At the 2014 NBA Draft Combine, Jordan Clarkson measured at 6’3.25″ without shoes and 6’5″ in shoes with a 6’8″ wingspan. That’s outstanding size for a point guard, and respectable for a shooting guard.

The question is, can Clarkson actually run point on a full-time basis?

There’s no true issue here if the Knicks intend to sign Clarkson as a shooting guard. If the intention is to have Clarkson take over at point guard, however, there’s a discouraging reality that must be addressed.

Clarkson is a very capable playmaker, but through two seasons, he’s yet to prove his capability as a full-time point guard.

Clarkson averaged 5.0 assists per 36 minutes during his rookie season, and posted an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.15. He averaged just 2.7 assists per 36 minutes in his second season, however, which admittedly was influenced by Kobe Bryant and D’Angelo Russell’s high number of touches.

Jeff Hornacek is a master at working with combo guards, but the Knicks need to define Clarkson’s position before he arrives to avoid missing out on an ideal target elsewhere.

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